Multiple permissions on the site of the proposed rail freight terminal can be granted according to Government ministers.

Last November, Hertfordshire County Council received 11,500 signatures on a petition calling for them not to sell the Radlett Airfield land to Helio Slough, a development company.

MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden tabled three questions to Government Minister Brandon Lewis MP as part of his ongoing campaign against the Radlett Rail Freight Terminal.

Mr Dowden said: “I tabled these questions to discover whether planning permission for alternative uses for the site of the proposed rail freight terminal can be granted.

“I also wanted to know whether amendments to the local plan are possible to facilitate this.

“I am glad that the Minister has confirmed both. This is a positive development and offers a ray of hope that this site could be used for something other than disastrous rail freight terminal.”

National Planning law stipulates that development on the green belt can only be granted in extra special circumstances.

However, if the planning authority finds that any harm caused by the development would clearly be outweighed by other considerations.

Mr Dowden said: “The principle of development on the green belt with regard to the site of the proposed rail terminal has already been breached.

“Ideally I would prefer that there be no development on the green belt but if there is going to be some development then I would prefer that all alternatives to the rail terminal are explored.

“The rail freight terminal would clog up our road with lorries, jam the Thameslink line with freight trains and spoil our surrounding countryside. We should do all we can to avoid it.”

Hertfordshire County Council has begun contacting developers to see if an alternative use can be found for the land at the former Radlett aerodrome.

Officers at the council said: "We are looking to developers to provide possible rational alternative uses, which for example might be a residential development, solar park or hospital, all subject to planning.

"At present we have had no proposals from developers with alternative ideas for use of the site."

For more information and an invitation for developer expressions of interest visit here.