A RAILFREIGHT terminal on Green Belt land just outside St Albans would have a catastrophic effect on local people, campaigners have told the public inquiry into the controversial project.

The inquiry, which is in its third week and has relocated temporarily to Dagnall Street Baptist Church, heard from members of the public and community groups yesterday.

Businessman Joe Carter said his home on the corner of Radlett Road and Smug Oak Lane was only a few metres from the proposed new junction between the access road and the M25.

He said: "It will create more harm and would be an absolute nightmare.

"We can't live with the extra pollution this is going to produce.

"It is going to create major problems."

Producing statistics showing how many areas near the proposed terminal between Park Street and London Colney already suffered from excessive nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere, he argued the traffic a major goods yard would produce would push air pollution to unbearable levels.

Mr Carter also suggested that the proposal would pose flooding dangers as rainwater would run off the development.

Paul Poulter, speaking for his elderly parents who live in Frogmore, added: "Our house is the closest there is to the proposed access road.

"We are certain to suffer badly from the increase in noise, light and pollution.

"These will be even worse during the five-year construction phase."

District councillor David Canham said the proposal would add 12 per cent extra traffic to the already congested A414, and villages such as Park Street and Chiswell Green would suffer badly.

And he challenged would-be developer Helioslough's assumption that 35 per cent of the terminal's workforce would travel there by public transport.

Chris Pudsey of the St Albans Community Forest Association argued the development contradicted planning guidance and challenged the benefits of the country park which Helioslough says will mitigate the harm to the Green Belt.

She said: "The advantages of the country park are not as significant as is claimed."

Helioslough's barrister chose not to cross-examine any of these witnesses, but is due to start calling his own witnesses tomorrow.

  • What effect would the proposed railfreight terminal have on wildlife? See our feature tomorrow.