Helioslough, the developer behind the Strategic Railfreight proposals on the former Radlett Aerodrome, has recently stated its intention to submit a fresh outline planning application. We imagine that this will be for a development of a similar nature, size and scale as the last proposal. Helioslough envisage this new application being submitted to St Albans District Council in early 2009.

You may well wonder how this can happen so soon after their earlier proposal was rejected by the Secretary of State. While it was indeed rejected, the grounds for this decision were narrowed down to the failure of the developer to demonstrate that there were no other better alternative sites where a SRFI could be developed. Helioslough are therefore going to undertake a fresh alternative site study and try their luck once more.

You will no doubt be as dismayed at this turn of events as we are at STRiFE. You can be assured that we are already on the case and working to develop our strategy against this fresh application so we can be ready for it as and when it is submitted. We are of course hopeful that this second application can be defeated as was the first. To do this will require the continued support from the local. We were delighted with the support received last year which enabled us to present a strong case at the Public Inquiry which ultimately produced a seemingly successful outcome when the appeal by the developer was rejected.

Unfortunately, the developer is proving nothing but persistent so we regret that we find ourselves once again calling for yet more support.

This can come in the form of help with delivering leaflets, doing research (email us at info@strife.biz or call our Campaign Co-ordinator, Cathy Bolshaw on 07710 327969) or indeed cash donations (see Sponsorship).

It would be easy to become disheartened at this news but we remain convinced that this proposal CAN yet be fought off once and for all.

As ever, many thanks for your continued interest and support.

The Secretary of State has today finally confirmed the decision on the proposed railfreight terminal at Radlett Aerodrome and STRiFE is delighted to announce that the appeal has been REFUSED.

This has been a long drawn out campaign for us and we cannot thank our team members and supporters enough for their unstinting efforts (and donations) to see this scheme off.

The seven week long Planning Inspectorate inquiry into the Radlett railfreight proposal finished in December. The final decision by the Government is expected on or before 3rd October 2008 and the expectation is that the Appeal Inspector’s recommendation to the Secretary of State may be as early as March.

The East of England had accepted the need for one strategic rail freight interchange. Since that decision was taken, the Bexley and Shellhaven developments- two in the East of England- have been approved. Will the Secretary of State bear that in mind when the Planning Inspectorate’s decision comes before her in respect of granting or not granting such a development in Radlett in my constituency? We do not need it accessed from our busy roads. We have more than sufficient capacity, given the two decisions that have been made since the application was made.” – 22nd January 2008

The Government believes it requires three to four railfreight interchanges around the London area but these two decisions must surely remove any argument by developers for a further site in the East of England Quadrant.

The Inspector was left in no doubt at the inquiry by STRIFE, the Council, and all of us who oppose the plan, that this is the wrong proposal, in the wrong place, and we expect the Government to listen, and I will keep fighting until a decision is made.

20 December 2007 The Rail Freight Planning inquiry comes to a close

The Rail Freight planning inquiry to consider the appeal by HelioSlough, against the refusal by the District Council’s Planning Referrals Committee of their planning application for a Rail Freight Terminal in February 2007, ended on Thursday 20 December 2007.

There was a webcast covering the last two days of the inquiry and Wednesday’s webcast was watched live on 31 PCs, with 45 viewings of the archived webcast. Thursday’s webcast was watched live on 55 PCs.

The webcast of the inquiry for 6th November was viewed live on 276 PCs and the archived webcast has since been viewed 415 times, totalling 691 viewings. The webcast for 7th November was viewed live on 149 PCs and the archived webcast has since been viewed by 126 PCs, totalling 275 viewings.

The council chamber was full when Strife made their closing address on the afternoon of Wednesday 19th December.

These webcasts can be viewed live from the comfort of your home, by going to www.stalbans.ukcouncil.net/site. There is an online help and FAQ page if you experience problems with the webcast: www.stalbans.ukcouncil.net/site/help.php.

They will remain in the archives for six months after the inquiry has ended.

There is also a Rail Freight link from the home page of the council’s website www.stalbans.gov.uk, which will have related information.

After completion of the inquiry the Planning Inspector will send a report with his recommendation to the Secretary of State who will make the final decision. Anyone wanting a copy of the decision on the appeal should request this by writing to the Planning Inspector at the:-

Planning Inspectorate, Room 4/04 Kite, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay. Bristol BS1 6PN

Quote reference: APP/B1930//07/2045747/NWF

21st November Railfreight Inquiry Draws To A Close

Last week saw the closing statements of all the key parties, namely First Capital Connect, STRiFE, St Albans District Council and developer, Helioslough being presented to the Inquiry. We have been told that these statements are to be put on the SADC webcast at http://www.stalbans.ukcouncil.net/site/player/pl_compact.php?a=10778&t=0&m=wm&l=en_GB but this may not now be until after the Christams break.

All three of the objecting parties put forward strong and compelling reasons for the appeal to be dismissed while, in our eyes at least, the developer failed to put forward any material case to the contrary.

This now concludes the public part of the Inquiry with only a few small matters of administration to be tied up in early January. The Inspector will then compile his report to the Secretary of State who will ultimately decide which way the appeal will go. We at STRiFE have been delighted with the way the Inquiry has gone and feel that we were able to make a real impact with the Inspector in terms of putting across the strength and depth of local feeling against this monstrous proposal.

It only remains for us to thank ALL who have helped us in our efforts, either financially or in giving up their time. I would personally like to thank those individuals who put themselves forward to present evidence to the Inquiry on STRiFE's behalf and endured at some points quite aggressive cross examination from the developer's legal team. None had had any experience of this before and without exception, all came through with great aplomb.

We now have to endure a painful wait until the Secretary of State's decision is announced, currently expected in early summer, when of course we will let you know the outcome.

Thank you all and Happy Christmas.

19th December. All final closing statements from Wednesday 2pm and all day Thursday will be webcast. please follow the link http://www.stalbans.ukcouncil.net/site/

15 December 2007

After more than six weeks of hearing of evidence and cross examination, the Inquiry into the proposed railfreight interchange on the site of the former Radlett Aerodrome is now drawing to a close. Next week will see some of the final witnesses appearing on behalf of the developer, Helioslough, followed by their cross examination. This will then be shortly followed by the closing statements. This is the opportunity for the parties to the Inquiry (Helioslough, St Albans District Council, First Capital Connect and STRiFE) to draw together all the various strands of evidence and cross examination heard through the course of the last few weeks into a final cohesive and persuasive statement to the Inspector.

We at STRiFE have been delighted to date with the performance of our barrister, Paul Stinchcombe, but are sure that he will have saved the best until last. Paul has advised us that the strength of argument contained in the Closing Statement can be very material to the Inspector's ultimate decision as to whether to recommend grant or refusal of planning consent. We of course remain firmly optimistic that enough has been said by the objecting parties through the course of the Inquiry to win over the Inspector to our way of thinking. However, we still dare not let the small successes to date go to our heads. We feel it would give a tremendous boost at this final hurdle if as many local people as possible could turn up at the Inquiry to hear STRiFE's closing statement. STRiFE is only too aware of how many feel strongly about this but we want to ensure that we leave the Inspector in no doubt that the local populace is passionate about protecting this Green Belt site, avoiding the violation of the historic City of St Albans and seeing this monstrous scheme off once and for all.

As the programme sits just now, STRiFE's closing statement is due to be heard on WEDNESDAY 19TH DECEMBER in the afternoon. First Capital Connect are due on first at 2pm followed by STRiFE. For those who have not been to any part of the Inquiry to date, it is held in the Council Chamber at the District Council Offices, St Peter's Street, St Albans. Throughout the Inquiry, we have seen many changes of programme, often at quite short notice. If there is any change to the timing of STRiFE's closing statement, we will try to send around a further email and have details on our website at www.strife.biz .

Finally, thank you to all who have given their generous support to the STRiFE team throughout this campaign, whether in terms of money or time. We have needed lots of both and would have been nowhere without it.

STRiFE.

17th November 2007.  "Thanks to our brilliant witnesses today, we made 3 BIG HITS! All three did really well, and made a huge IMPACT with the Inspector, to the extent that the Inspector asked the Appellants barrister to stop questioning, twice! This just showed that we were well informed, and produced our evidence well, and our witnesses were, without question, brilliant under cross examination. Our barrister Paul Stinchcombe, who is excellent is returning tomorrow for our "strategic rail" evidence," which will again be very interesting. Paul was extremely happy , how today went ."  If you have already donated to STRiFE, you have our deepest thanks. If you have previously wavered over it, we implore you to act now to help preserve this Green Belt site and avoid the catastrophic impact this development would bring with it.         Our bank account details are as follows: Account Name - Strife Limited - Account No. 22031051 Bank & Branch - HSBC, 31 Chequers Street, St. Albans Sort Code 40-40-01 alternatively please click on Sponsorship page

 Public Inquiry into the appeal by the developers, Helioslough, will open at 10:00 am on  Tuesday  6 November 2007 in the Council Chamber, District Council Offices, St Albans.  The inquiry is scheduled to last for 32 days.  follow the link to check St Albans District Council latest news    The Planning Inquiry will commence at 10.00 am on Tuesday 6 November 2007 at the Disctrict Council Offices, St Peter's Street, St Albans. The Inquiry will also be webcast to the Committee Rooms in the Council Offices and the Baptist Church in Upper Dagnall Street on the opening two days.

 Almost a year ago the Council rejected the developer’s application but they have decided to appeal the Council’s decision. Therefore, the appeal will now be heard by Planning Inspectorate who has the power to overturn the original decision by the Council and grant planning permission for this would-be blight on St Albans.

St Albans remains united in its opposition to this huge terminal and STRIFE urges all local residents to attend the public meetings that will be held over the 32 days of the inquiry.  Please read regularly information updates on this site and participate in actions. 

Every fighter counts!

Please sign the petition on Government site: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/STRIFE/

October 4th ITV documentary  On Thursday 4th October, STRiFE was invited to assist in the making of an ITV documentary ( to be viewed in November sometime, we think - to be confirmed) about local democracy and is it working?  They were exploring the view that local people such as us and our local council have voted against a proposal for inappropriate development on the Green Belt, and yet, when the developers lodge an Appeal, we - the local Council have to pay for a Public Inquiry.  Then, even though the Inspector could recommend refusal, the Secretary of State could overturn this. Kevin Fitzgerald from the CPRE was also interviewed.
 
STRiFE organised a demo where between 50-60 people attended on the entrance to the former Radlett aerodrome site on the A414, and invited the local press to attend too.  Thank you to all who attended this, it was a great turnout.   The TV crew then filmed the airfield site, and the views to St Albans Abbey along with the grazing sheep and horses, that would all be lost if this monstrous development were to be allowed.  Along with this they also filmed views over the open space that the former Airfield generates and the footpaths and bridleways that would be lost forever.

19 July 2007 at 8pm Public Meeting in Radlett. 

At the Radlett United Synagogue, 22 Watling Street, Radlett (the former Village Hall).  The possibility of the Radlett Rail Freight Interchange is BIGGER than ever! Helioslough Ltd have lodged an Appeal to the Secretary of State, and a Public Inquiry will be held at the end of the year.

20th of June 2007. Please see BBC London news broadcast 6pm

16 June 2007 Public Meeting at Alban Arena.  More than 200 local residents and borough council members gathered to demonstrate their support to share ideas. Attendees included: Anne Main (MP), Sandy Walkington (SADC), Rloma Mills (SADC), James Clappison (SADC), Robert Donald (SADC). 

Please see pictures 

 St Albans Review

The developers have now lodged their appeal so, as STRiFE expected, we are now moving towards a Public Inquiry.

10th June Half-Maraphone in support of STRIF: Patricia Pryce ran in the St. Albans Half-Marathon.  The proceeds went to the British Heart Foundation and STRIFE (with the agreement of the STRIFE Committee).  Thank you very much for your support! 

17 May 2007 appeal lodged by developer.  On 17th May 2007 HelioSlough lodged a formal appeal with the Planning Inspectorate against St Albans District Council's decision to refuse the proposal for a railfreight interchange site.  HelioSlough and the Planning Inspectorate have also confirmed that an appeal is now proceeding.  We need to get around our banners once more!

19th December 2006. Decision of SADC!  STRiFE welcomes the decision of the Planning Referrals Committee of St Albans City and District Council to refuse Helioslough’s application to build a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) on the Former Radlett Aerodrome immediately to the South of the city!  Congratulations!  The STRiFE Team would like to thank everyone who turned up at the Alban Arena last night to hear the Planning Referrals Committee come to their decision. It was a fine example of local democracy in action and a clear signal that people are becoming increasingly concerned about the threats to our City and its environs. However, this is only the first skirmish in a longer battle. Going into the future we hope to retain the support of all those who have encouraged and assisted us over the past eight months.  Have a look at the complete report.

Saturday Market Stall at St Albans Market on Saturday 17th December06. It proved to be a success with 860 signatures added to our ever expanding list.  Thank you very much to all participants, supporters and organisers!
 

Demo in St Albans on 23rd December proved very successful.  Business cards have been handed out along with approx 200 balloons which looked great with kids wandering through the town centre. White balloons with "Rudolph not Rail Freight Terminal!" in red and our website! More signatures on the petition too.                   

13 December 2006.  Highways Agency have reported back to SADC (St Albans District Council) recommending refusal!

STRiFE Christmas Social.  Open meeting for all who concerned about STRIFE took place on Monday 11th December, 8-11pm, Greenwood Park Leisure Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green. Lots of people were able to meet one another, and we raised £235 + £200 in donations.

10th December 2006 Fundraising in Farmers' Market, St Albans This was very successful, spreading the word, we distributed about 750 leaflets and got about 750 signatures on the petition, and £101 was collected towards the cause!

ANOTHER STEP FORWARD!

At the meeting at St Albans District Council held on 1st November 2006 The Planning Referral Committee voted unanimously to accept their officers recommendation “that the committee should indicate that at the present time they are minded to refuse the application and that a further report be considered once the views of the Highway Agency are received”

The Highway Agency have stopped St Albans District Council making a decision on this application. They require further information from Helioslogh regarding the impact on the local motorway intersections of the traffic generated by the rail freight Interchange. The Highway Agency are expected to complete their assessment by December 31st. On a more positive note, the committee have endorsed the 14 objections to the Helioslough application outlined by the officers.

Thanks everyone for lots of support this evening! Apart form 200 people in the council chambers, we had an outflow of 300 to a church 2 miles away that had been organised by the council. Then 250 were turned away at the door, but demanded to sign a petition, which was brought into and presented to the planning committee. So 700 supporters plus 50 meeting attendees. Also 500 were clocked as watching on the webcast, so 1200 in all!!

Please have a look at press release

30 October.  The London Colney parish council has submitted the objection to the planning proposal thus changing its view as previously they were in favour of the application.  Have a look.

The EERA - East of England Regional Assembly has recommended St Albans District Council to refuse the application.

The East of England Development Authority has recommended St Albans District Council to refuse the application.

Campaign to Protect Rural England - The Hertfordshire Society has joined the struggle against the Helioslough project.

A Parliamentary debate was held on 17 October 2006 in The House of Commons entitled "Development at the Former Aerodrome Site (Radlett)" where several constituencies came along joined by representatives of STRIFE and led by Anne Main local resident and MP.  The full transcript of the debates can be viewed here.

Hetrs County Council meeting on 17 October 2006.

A Development Control Meeting between Committee of Hertsmere Borough Council, Helioslough, STRIFE and local residents took place on 11 October 2006.  At the end of the meeting,  Hertsmere Borough Council has unanimously recommended to St Albans District Council refusal of application of Helioslough.

The Demo held on Saturday 7th October near Civic Offices in St Albans was a great success attracting attention not only of the officials but also of local industrial circles and activists of social life.  NOW WE KNOW - WE CAN DO IT!

Hertsmere Borough Council is undertaking a consultative exercise on the proposal. communication of the Hertsmere Borough Council

The Demo held on Saturday 7th October near Civic Offices in St Albans was a great success attracting attention not only of the officials but also of local businesses and other interest groups.

The Planning Application application was submitted on 27th July 2006.  It's number is 5/2006/1680.  If you want to object immediately please click here. You will be transferred to the planning application page of St Albans District Council.  Please enter the application number above into the field provided and click "Search".  The next page opened will allow you to view the application itself and to comment on it.             IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU LEAVE YOUR COMMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, please click on "You may send a comment on this application" button and leave you feedback to planning officers.

 Join the STRIFE campaign while it is not yet too late.

St Albans District Council have received over 1000 letters by 09.09.06 (latest count requested) but we still need more, many more, so if you haven't yet written, please do so NOW