Controversial plans to build a rail freight terminal on the site of a former RAF aerodrome have taken a big step forward.

Members of a Hertfordshire County Council panel have agreed to sell the land it owns at Radlett Airfield, near Park Street, for the new freight interchange.

Permission was awarded to property investment firm Segro by the Secretary of State in 2015 for the terminal despite cross-party political and community opposition.

Read more: Offer made to buy land for rail freight depot

Huge concerns have been raised about what impact the development will have on traffic in the area.

Hertsmere Conservative county councillor Caroline Clapper told councillors at a meeting on December 1 it would lead to "horrendous" congestion while St Albans Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper warned of the "damage" to "precious" green belt in a statement on her Facebook page.

Watford Observer: Rail freight campaigners during the planning processRail freight campaigners during the planning process (Image: Newsquest)

There are plans to create a new road and make improvements to the A414 and M25 locally.

Meanwhile, St Albans Lib Dem councillor Sandy Walkington said "no lipstick on the pig" such as a country park will make him believe it is the right location.

The sale agreement was pushed through by Tory members of the council's resources and performance panel with the Cabinet having final say on December 12.

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