St Albans MP Anne Main was told last week that the appeal by Helioslough to build a rail freight terminal on the Green Belt site of the former Radlett Airfield had been successful.
Among the factors which have influenced the government decision, is assurances given by Network Rail that the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) proposed by developers Helioslough can operate in tandem with passenger services, and that pathways into and out of it can be established.
The county council will now have to decide whether or not to sell or look at any other possible use for the land.
Labour councillor for London Colney, Jacob Quagliozzi, said: “Today’s decision on Railfrieght is a hammer blow to London Colney and surrounding villages as well as the rest of St Albans. It is an insult to the more than 10,000 people who have signed the anti railfreight petition and the many more who have campaigned against this proposal over the last few years.