Landscape expert: "Helioslough has exaggerated benefits" (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Landscape expert: "Helioslough has exaggerated benefits"

12:38pm Tuesday 24th November 2009 in

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DEVELOPER Helioslough has exaggerated the benefits of its proposed country park, a landscape architect has told the hearing.

The company proposes a “country park” along the Ver valley to the south of the proposed goods yard to mitigate the harm to wildlife and countryside.

Jonathan Billingsleigh, called by the council to give expert evidence on the visual impact of the project, said: “I agree there would be benefits from the country park, but they have been significantly over-stated by the applicant.

“The area already delivers benefits of access and biodiversity.”

He said the landscape harm to the area as a whole was worse than concluded by the inspector who heard the first inquiry, particularly from the earthworks around the terminal's perimeter and rail connection.

He said: “The earthworks would fundementally alter the nature of the landscape.

“There would be a significant adverse impact on the views from the train and from rights of way.”

Mr Billingsleigh will complete his evidence in chief after a lunch break and be cross-examined by Helioslough's barrister Martin Kingston this afternoon and tomorrow morning.