Follow the link to find out detailed application on SADC web site: http://www.stalbans.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/planning-applications/planning-applications-search.aspx application 5/2009/0708

The proposal is for the development of an international rail freight exchange.  This development is to comprise 5 huge warehouses, each served by a railway siding such that goods can be moved from railway freight wagons into storage in the warehouses and ultimately onto HGVs

 The developers, Helioslough, have been working on this proposal for 3 years and the estimated total development cost is approximately £400 million.  The site is entirely within the Green Belt comprising over 300 acres of flat land that has been used for gravel extraction.   This site is the last large piece of Green Belt land between St Albans and London.  For our opinion on this, please go to IMPACT ON YOU!

The site has 4 railway tracks running through (north/south) operated by Midland Mainline and First Capital Connect railways.  There are two fast tracks and two slow tracks all used by commuter trains.  All freight has to operate on the slow tracks. These are to the east side of the site.  The proposal is to build a spur off the east track, under the other three tracks and into the site, thereby offering railway access and relevant sidings to the warehouses.  For our opinion on this, please go to IMPACT ON YOU!

There is currently in existence a natural area on the north side of the A414.  The developers Helioslough are suggesting that they will convert this to a “man made” country park area, which would eliminate the natural habitats, vegetation and fauna that are there now. For our opinion on this, please go to IMPACT ON YOU!

There would be 5 massive warehouses, the biggest one is over 1million sq feet.  To put that in a local perspective for local people, that is 10 TIMES the size of the combined Marks and Spencer and Sainsburys at London Colney!  For our opinion on this please go to IMPACT ON YOU!

For a visual comparison of how big the sheds proposed are, look here