HELIOSLOUGH is pre-empting government advice which may be about to specify exactly where railfreight projects should be built, the district council has argued.

Cross-examining Helioslough's planning consultant Richard Tilley, the authority's barrister Matthew Reed said the company's scheme was “premature” as an official national policy statement (NPS) expected soon may set out exactly where major goods yards should be located.

Mr Tilley replied: “I don't see why this inspector shouldn't reach a decision on the basis of this inquiry.

“If the NPS is site-specific and doesn't include Radlett, that decision may appear premature.

“If it does include Radlett it will be anything but premature.”

Mr Reed has finished his cross-examination with Strife's barrister Paul Stinchcombe set to take up the cudgel from 1.25pm.