As you know from my previous update, in March this year Justice Holgate dismissed St Albans Council’s recent court challenge against the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. St Albans Council had challenged the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission for the strategic rail freight interchange at Park Street.

St Albans Council were given until the 13 April to decide whether it wished to apply for permission to appeal from the Court of Appeal. Following their consultation with their external legal advisors St Albans Council has decided it will seek this permission to appeal.

St Albans Council have based their appeal on three grounds. These are legal points which each have sub sections and include the application of test cases, consideration of other infrastructure decisions, and points of law.

I am pleased that St Albans Council has shown its courage again and decided to continue the fight against this wholly inappropriate proposal and stand up for the people of St Albans and Hertsmere. St Albans Council, Anne Main and I have all campaigned against this proposal which we feel will have a disastrous impact on our beautiful countryside. I will continue to support St Albans Council in their fight against this development, and will keep you updated on the progress of the appeal.

It seems there is still a way to go with this and I assure you I will continue do all I can to support the appeal and try to prevent this proposal from reaching fruition if elected on May 7th.