THE developer behind the massive rail freight project, has highlighted its benefits, after a High Court judge ruled in its favour this afternoon.

Helioslough is celebrating a victory following the three-day court hearing, in which the judge decided to overturn a Government decision.

But those in opposition think if the huge terminal is built on the land between Radlett and Park Street, it will not only erode the Green Belt, but cause noise nuisance and increased traffic to the surrounding areas.

A statement released by the company this afternoon reads: “We are very pleased that the judge has ruled in our favour, supporting our challenge to the decision made by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government last July.

“The effect of the court ruling is that the secretary of state will have to reconsider his decision on the inspector's report. The inspector had recommended that planning permission be granted for the strategic rail freight interchange (SRFI) at Radlett.

“The SRFI is important for sustainable growth – some £250 million will be invested by the private sector in this development, with some 3,000 jobs being generated, over the long term.

“It will also generate significant carbon savings by switching freight on the railways that would otherwise have been moved by road.

“In the light of this ruling, we now await to hear from the Secretary of State, what his next steps will be and we will be engaging fully in that process.”

However campaigners maintained throughout the High Court battle that the green belt should not be developed to make way for the controversial project.

The secretary of state and St Albans District Council has until July 11 to challenge the latest decision.