St Albans: Legal challenge lodged against freight terminal

Hertfordshire County Council confirmed the sale of the former Radlett Airfield land to developers SEGRO on Friday, June 30, and planning permission has already been granted.

However, 'Save St Albans: Fight the Freight' told The Herts Advertiser that a letter containing evidence of "serious failings" in the sale went in at 2pm this afternoon (Friday, September 29).

The group claim that they have uncovered covenants and documents that prove that the land, bought by the council for £1 in the 1980s, was designated as "permanent open space".

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Last month (August 2023), campaigners spoke of covenants dating back 70 years that would "block any development on the site".

'Save St Albans: Fight the Freight' have raised over £9,000 over the space of three days to help fund their legal challenge, which will go before a judge next month.

Cllr Nuala Webb, one of the campaign leaders, commented: "Since Herts County Council sold the land in the summer, we have intensified our efforts to show that the process has been flawed.

"It is quite clear from the evidence we’re uncovering, including the council’s own minutes and correspondence, that this site should be protected permanent open space.”

Green Belt land, at Radlett Airfield.

Hertfordshire County Council has maintained that due process was followed during the sale of the land.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: "The council took the difficult decision to sell the land after planning permission for the site was granted by the Secretary of State.

"The decision to sell the land followed all due process and the council worked tirelessly to secure the best value for taxpayers.”

Campaigners have previously staged a protest outside Hertfordshire County Council. (Image: Dee Young)