Campaigners gathered to demonstrate their determined opposition to the planned railfreight terminal as the 19-day public inquiry got underway this morning.

Inspector Andy Mead will hear an inquiry into developer Helioslough's second planning appplication for a “strategic railfreight interchange” on the former Handley Page airfield between Park Street and London Colney.

The company, which argues the freight terminal will reduce lorry traffic on the national road network, has appealed against the authority's refusal of planning permission.

Dr Sandy Chalmers of Park Street, demonstrating outside the council offices where the enquiry started at 10am, told the Review: “I am very concerned about traffic and the loss of Green Belt.

“I know the company says there will be a by-pass for Park Street but as soon as the lorry drivers see the queue they will go straight through Park Street.

“Why don't they put the railfreight terminal in Sundon near Luton?

“That is a brownfield site and there is a workforce nearby.”

Chris Adkins of Hatfield Road, St Albans said: “Even though it is a few miles away, the terminal will mean lorries coming down Hatfield Road, and the rest of St Albans.”

Cathy Bolshaw, who has led the fight against Helioslough through the campaign group Strife, said: “I am optimistic that the combination of the loss of Green Belt arguments and the lack of rail pathways will be enough to defeat the proposal.”

The enquiry is about to his hear opening statements from barristerrs for Helioslough, the district council and Strife.