Resisting the Radlett rail freight terminal has been one of my key campaigns as your MP. In my column this month I want to update you on some the latest news.

I have always said I do not want any development of this green belt land. However, if as seems likely it will be developed, it is ludicrous that the land can have planning permission for an unnecessary and appallingly disruptive rail freight terminal, but bids for desperately needed homes cannot be considered.

As a result I am very pleased that St Albans Council are now considering the site for a new garden village.

The site is currently largely owned by Hertfordshire County Council. Like any public body, the County Council are under a duty to make sure they secure best value for money for taxpayers. This includes considering offers to buy surplus they land own.

In the case of the rail freight site, if the County Council received an offer for the land from the rail freight developers, this duty means they may have no choice but to sell.

However, if the site was designated by St Albans as suitable for housing, the value of the land would clearly increase enormously.

I do not believe Hertfordshire County Council are required to sell the site to Helioslough. Should though they be forced to sell, I believe that to get the best deal for taxpayers they need to consider the potentially increased value of the land should it be earmarked for housing.

Along with my colleagues Anne Main, MP for St Albans, and Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin & Harpenden, we have met with and written to the County Council to press home exactly this point. We are also pursuing other avenues with the Government in London.

I will continue to fight the freight terminal every step of the way and to read more about my campaign, please do visit my website.