Railfreight hearing defies snow (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Railfreight hearing defies snow

9:59am Friday 18th December 2009 in Rail Freight News By Alex Lewis

DESPITE the heavy snowfall, the railfreight enquiry got underway this morning on time at 9.30am.

Helioslough's barrister Martin Kingston warned that more snow was forecast this afternoon and asked inspector Andy Mead if he could read out a shortened version of his costs application to prevent a late finish.

Mr Reed is continuing with his closing statement, concentrating on ecological issues.

The first inspector concluded the project would harm breeding and wintering birds, damage not fully mitigated by the country park proposals, but that this was not significant.

Mr Reed said: “The extent of that harm should now be regarded as more significant.

“The lapwing has now been included on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan list.

“And the site has now been designated as a county wildlife site.”