The Campaign to Protect Rural England in Hertfordshire (CPRE), a charity working for the environmental causes, has warned that government plans for development on the Green Belt would result in the approval for rail freight terminal near Radlett.

CPRE said that the government is planning major development activities on the green belt including construction of more than 80,000 new houses, new roads, airport expansion, golf courses and industrial parks, which would pave the way for the controversial terminal project.

A proposal to build the terminal was not given a go ahead by the planning authority and the Secretary of State in July 2010 because of its possible impacts on Green Belt. Developer Helioslough has submitted a new application for the rail freight depot and Secretary of State Eric Pickles is expected to take a decision on the matter.

Steve Baker, planning manager at CPRE said, “Whilst a railfreight interchange is welcome in principle, the very special circumstances necessary for locating it on this site in the Green Belt have not been demonstrated. This development would have a massive impact on the area south of St. Albans, in terms of loss of Green Belt, loss of open countryside, traffic generation and air pollution - undermining the quality of life of thousands of local residents.”

Paul Miner, senior planning officer for CPRE pointed out that the Green Belt prevents cities from sprawling into rural areas. He said the ministers have promised that they will save the green belt and they must now act to protect the green belt.