Hundreds of residents rejoiced after controversial plans to build a giant rail freight terminal on Green Belt land on the outskirts of Radlett were rejected.

St Albans District Council unanimously rejected plans for a £300 million depot on the former Radlett Aerodrome site, between Park Street and St Albans.As well as building a new relief road, would-be developers Helioslough proposed to build five 20-metre high warehouses with space for more than 2,000 cars and lorries.

Speaking at a planning referral committee meeting at the Alban Arena on Monday night, councillors argued the size and scale of the development would damage the Green Belt, increase traffic congestion and cause unacceptable levels of noise and air pollution.

For pictures and reaction, see this week's Watford Observer on Friday.