Plans for a controversial freight rail interchange is to go ahead after the £120 million sale of land at a former RAF aerodrome.

Following negotiations with Segro, Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) confirmed today (June 30) that land at Radlett Aerodrome has been sold and work is expected to start this summer.

Permission for the terminal was awarded to the company in 2015, despite cross-party political and community opposition.

Watford Observer: How a proposed near rail freight terminal would link up with similar units throughout London and the East of England.How a proposed near rail freight terminal would link up with similar units throughout London and the East of England. (Image: Stephen George + Partners/Helioslough/St Albans City and District Council)

A spokesperson for HCC said: “This sale will pave the way for a new strategic freight rail interchange, new country park and a bypass to alleviate traffic pressures on Park Street.

“Not only should this development bring forward employment opportunities for the people of Hertfordshire, the use of rail for cross country freight will help the nation collectively reduce our carbon footprint."

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

The terminal would sit on a 3.5 million square metre area of green belt – the size of 490 football pitches – and likely include a huge rail and lorry park complete with warehouses, lorries, container storage and HGV parking, bringing thousands more HGVs onto local roads every day as well as impacting the railway.

Watford Observer: Rail freight campaigners at a protest when it was going through planning stageRail freight campaigners at a protest when it was going through planning stage (Image: Newsquest)

“There are numerous planning conditions attached to the permission granted by the Secretary of State designed to ensure that local interests are protected, one being that the infrastructure is delivered,” the spokesperson said.

Planning authority will now fall to St Albans District Council to ensure that these conditions are complied with.

The development will incorporate a 247-hectare country park surrounding the terminal.

It will include a 10-mile network of footpaths and recreational features including a trim trail, outdoor gym, new children’s play areas, new bird watching hides and a Visitor Interpretation Centre.

More than 4,000 trees and 132,000 saplings will be planted, while the local habitat will be enhanced by creating new ponds and nesting sites.

Segro’s chief executive officer David Sleath said: “The scheme will also benefit the national and local economies, as well as help satisfy the demands of consumers and businesses for the sustainable movement of the goods and services we increasingly rely on in our daily lives.”