A developer has submitted plans to build a garden village on land at the former Radlett airfield.

Taylor Wimpey North Thames is proposing to build 2,000 homes, community services and transport connections after the county council actively sought alternative uses to Helioslough’s plans for a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange.

The battle to build a new £300m rail freight terminal in Park Street has been going since developer Helioslough first submitted an application to St Albans District Council in 2007.

Hertfordshire County Council owns around 300 acres of the land, and has been opposed to the development from the start.

Robert Gordon, leader of the council, said: “Our prime duty is to the residents of Hertfordshire, and we remain opposed to the proposed development of a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange.

“We would prefer not to see a change in the current green belt status of this land and would also prefer not to sell it.

"However, it is possible that circumstances might arise where we have no lawful alternative but to sell.

"We therefore actively contacted developers to see if any alternative uses could be found for the land, which would achieve at least the equivalent value as a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange.

“We will now consider our position in light of the expression of interest that we have received.”

A cross-party group of councillors will discuss the latest position at the council’s resources and performance cabinet panel at County Hall from 10am on Monday July, 4.

A summary of the panel’s discussion will be presented to Cabinet on Monday July 11.

Cabinet will then take a view on how the county council should proceed.

What do you think? Comment below or email charlotte.ikonen@london.newsquest.co.uk.

  • For everything you to know about the history of rail freight see our handy timeline here.