The government has said a public inquiry into proposals for a new rail freight terminal near Radlett is “unnecessary”.

Secretary of State Eric Pickles said on Friday he is satisfied that he will accept the proposals – described as the “biggest planning application Hertfordshire has ever seen” based on the evidence.

Mr Pickles has already deferred the Helioslough proposal twice and invited views on reopening the inquiry into Radlett and linking it with the inquiry in to the rail freight depot in Colnbrook, Slough.

Hertsmere MP James Clappison said: “The case against it the rail freight is overwhelming and it would be undesirable for Mr Pickles to give the go-ahead without a public inquiry.

“I hope he makes the decision to outright reject the plans.

“We will now have to wait and see if he makes the right decision.”