HERTSMERE MP James Clappison has described the impact of the Radlett railfreight project as catastrophic for the area.

This morning, he told a four-week public inquiry into the scheme to build a large goods depot on the former Handley Page airfield: “It is hard to exaggerate the extent of the harm to the Green Belt.

“This particular part of the Green Belt is not just large in size but also sensitive in location, being one of the last significant areas of open countryside which serve to separate St Albans from other communities including Radlett in my constituency.

“The proposed development would have a massive and potentially catastrophic impact on the openness of the area.

“It would completely undermine the the protection said to be afforded by the Green Belt.”

Would-be developer Helioslough is appealing against refusal of planning permission by St Albans District Council in a four-week inquiry which is now half completed.

The company's first planning application was rejected after a similar inquiry two years ago.

The site is generally referred to as the "Radlett Aerodrome" although it lies between Park Street and London Colney.