The developer of a proposed huge new rail freight terminal using Green Belt land at Radlett in Hertfordshire, UK, is celebrating a victory following a High Court decision to overturn the government’s denial of planning permission.

The ruling means that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will have to reconsider his decision made in July last year.

HelioSlough’s proposed Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) had been opposed by campaigners arguing that the terminal would erode the Green Belt and increase the level of noise and traffic in the area.

The developer wants to build the 350,000sq metre depot on the former Radlett Airfield.

A spokesman said: “The SRFI is important for sustainable economic growth – some £250 million (US$402m) will be invested by the private sector in this development, with some 3,000 jobs being generated over the long term.

“It will also generate significant carbon savings by switching freight onto the railways that would otherwise have been moved by road.”

It added: “In the light of this ruling, we now await to hear from the secretary of state what his next steps will be and we will be engaging fully in that process.”

The Secretary of State has until 11 July to challenge the court ruling.

Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail’s Manager, said, “Without road and rail transfer points in the right locations, long-distance road freight cannot be removed from our congested road network.

“The planning inspector recommended granting planning permission for this strategic interchange, so we urge the secretary of state to support this application, which ticks all the right boxes in terms of location, stimulation of the green economy and green jobs.”

She added: “Not only is this decision crucial for relieving road congestion around Greater London, it is a key test for wider strategic planning versus localism in the new planning regime.

“The country needs the Localism Bill and the forthcoming National Planning Policy Framework and National Policy Statements to support strategic planning, and, in particular, rail freight terminals of varying sizes in order to reduce road congestion and tackle climate change.”

For more information on this, or any other Rail, Road Sea or Air shipments, please contact our expert team at Mercator Cargo on 02392 75 65 75

Paul Goehlert, Managing Director of Mercator Cargo Systems and partner in Marco Polo Line (our Global Network of freight forwarders) has just returned from the Intermodal exhibition in San Paulo, Brazil.

More than 45,000 visitors attended Latin America’s leading integrated exhibition and conference event for international trade and logistics handling held from 5th till 7th April 2011 at Transamerica Expo in Sao Paulo Brazil.

MarcoPoloLine (MPL), the fastest growing global network of small to medium size independent freight forwarders was amongst more than 450 exhibitors at the conference. Twenty members of MarcoPoloLine, including Mercator Cargo Systems from UK had representatives on the stand.

The MarcoPoloLine group, who only admits new members by recommendation and other strict criteria, made contact with more than 50 potential new partners from all over Latin America.

“It was a very productive three days meeting up with existing partners. There were also many companies interested in finding out more about MarcoPoloLine at their first ever exhibition. The investment was really worthwhile. New business enquiries are already coming in.”

Paul Goehlert, Managing Director, Mercator Cargo Systems 

 

Request a Quote for Shipping to or from Brazil

The MarcoPoloLine Group was established to benefit the needs and requirements of small to medium sized freight forwarders.

In less than 5 years we now have
220 offices in 82 countries worldwide.

We invite you to visit us on Stand D9, so as to introduce you to The MarcoPoloLine Group, and answer any questions you may have.

Please make an appointment here: https://www.marcopololine.com/onetoone. Your password is guest2011

 

Request a Quote for Shipping to or from Brazil

Mercator Cargo will be at the Intermodal Exhibition from the 5th to the 7th April 2011 in Brazil. The Latin American market is currently the fastest growing economy in the world. The conference is held in São Paulo, the business capital of South America.

This is Mercator Cargo System’s first exhibition and we will be exhibiting on the Marco Polo Line stand D9.

Marco Polo Line is a network of small to medium sized independent freight forwarders under one global banner, who offer a real alternative to the giant forwarders, offering specialist local knowledge and a comprehensive service in almost every corner of the world.

Mercator Cargo will be the only UK agent on the Marco Polo Line stand (D9), along with partner agents from the Middle East, Far East, Europe, Africa, North America and India.

Look out for Paul Goehlert, Managing Director of Mercator Cargo Systems in his Union Jack waistcoat!

Mercator Cargo is an established freight forwarder in the UK. Celebrating its 20th year in business in 2011 it is a long standing member of the British International Freight Association.

With extensive experience in all aspects of freight transport, customs clearance and international shipping, the companies dedicated team of freight forwarders are able to find you the most reliable and cost effective international sea, road, air and rail freight forwarding services for your cargo.

Request a quote online today or contact us on 02392 75 65 75.

 

Request a Quote for Shipping to or from South America