24 May 2023
A last-ditch attempt to stop Hertfordshire County Council from proceeding to sell its land for the giant SEGRO freight terminal south of St Albans lost by two votes today.
Conservative county councillors on HCC’s overview and scrutiny committee ignored a series of arguments presented by Lib Dem Cllr Sandy Walkington about the significant changes in circumstances since the planning permission was granted in 2014.
In particular he asked why they should sign off on a deal which will leave Hertfordshire council tax payers with unquantifiable bills for highway improvements and maintenance since only some of the road improvements are to be funded by SEGRO.
Sandy said: “It was really frustrating. Afterwards councillors of all parties and officers told me how strong my arguments had been. Some of my points were not even addressed by the officers.
“But when it came to the vote, everything proceeded down dreary party tramlines.
“It is a desperately sad day for Hertfordshire.”
