The issue of a potential rail freight depot - to be constructed on Green Belt land - has plagued the minds of St Albans residents for almost two decades.

In that time, the plans were given the go-ahead by once Secretary of State Eric Pickles.

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Hertfordshire County Council claim that the depot will provide jobs, a new country park and a by-pass for Park Street.

However, a portion of residents are unhappy with the plans, and have created a campaign group to "fight the freight".

                                                                                                          

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With significant movement on this issue over the past year, here's a round-up of what has taken place.

July 7, 2022: SEGRO aim to complete land purchase by end of 2022

Following a meeting between St Albans MP Daisy Cooper and rail freight developers SEGRO, the MP confirmed that SEGRO were aiming to purchase the former Radlett Airfield site by the end of 2022.

Under the plans, a 3.5 million sqm area of Green Belt would be converted into a rail and lorry park.

Read more here.

July 8, 2022: Council leader vows to take action if depot causes congestion

On July 8, the leader of St Albans district council expressed his disappointment over news that the controversial rail freight depot was to move ahead.

Cllr Chris White's comments came following the meeting between SEGRO and Daisy Cooper MP.

Read more here.

November 21, 2022: Tory spokesperson calls on councils to 'save Park Street'

On November 21, 2022, the Conservative Parliamentary spokesperson for St Albans, Clare De Silva, called on Hertfordshire County Council and St Albans City and District Council to "save Park Street".

Meanwhile, St Albans MP Daisy Cooper described news that the Conservative-led county council would decide whether to sell the land as a “damning indictment” of the government’s approach to local democracy.

Read more here.

November 23, 2022: Meeting announced to discuss land sale

Two days later, a meeting was announced by Hertfordshire County Council.

The meeting would take place on December 1, after the council received an offer from developers.

Read more here.

December 1, 2022: County council agree to sell land

Following the meeting, Hertfordshire County Council agreed to sell the Green Belt land to rail freight developers SEGRO.

The local authority's resources and performance panel agreed that the council should sell off the land to allow construction to start.

Read more here.

December 8, 2022: Petition launched ahead of Radlett Airfield sale

Following Hertfordshire County Council's decision to sell the former Radlett Airfield land to SEGRO, a petition was launched for a full public consultation.

The petition was created by Andy Love, and required 1,000 signatures.

Read more here.

January 8, 2023: Meeting organised to stop the proposed rail freight terminal 

On January 8, a meeting took place with the aim of stopping the proposed rail freight terminal.

As a result of this meeting, a campaign group named 'Save St Albans: Fight the Freight' was created.

Read more here.

January 17, 2023: Campaign group warn of 'traffic chaos' if depot goes ahead

Following the public meeting, the newly formed 'Save St Albans: Fight the Freight' group warned of "traffic chaos" should the depot go ahead.

The campaign group also called on the authority to publish all legal advice surrounding the sale.

Read more here.

January 25, 2023: Petition starts against Park Street freight depot

On January 25, this year, 'Save St Albans: Fight the Freight' started a petition to help stop the rail freight depot from being constructed.

The petition was created to show opposition to any sale of the land made by Hertfordshire County Council.

Read more here.

February 2, 2023: County Council 'blocks' rail freight terminal petition

On February 2, this year, 'Save St Albans: Fight the Freight' claimed that Hertfordshire County Council had "blocked" a petition from their website.

The council said that its constitution prevents the submission of a second petition to its website in relation to the same council decision within six months.

Read more here.