CONFUSION reigned as the public inquiry into the proposed motorway service station near Redbourn opened yesterday.

Counsel for the developers Hallam Land Management (HLM) told the inquiry they had made last-minute alterations to their plans.

These, HLM hopes, would make the application to build the Motorway Service Area (MSA) more palatable to the Highways Agency, one of the many bodies voicing concern about the plans.

But, because the other parties present at the inquiry - such as Redbourn Together, which voices the village's opposition - had not yet seen these amendments, proceedings were brought to a temporary halt.

The legal representatives of each interested party were sent away to examine the new maps containing the amendments.

As the St Albans and Harpenden Observer went to press, HLM's counsel Peter Marron was highlighting the amendments.

In light of these changes to the original plan, a decision on whether to continue the inquiry or adjourn it until a later date, is likely to be made today (Wednesday).

Yesterday, the inquiry began with the news that HLM had placated one of their opponents, oil company Fina.

Fina had feared their high-pressure underground pipeline could be damaged by the weight of the traffic accessing the MSA.

However, HLM has incorporated into their plans a ground-level bridge, which would lie above the pipeline and absorb the downward pressure exerted the MSA traffic.

Then, Mr Marron dominated the morning session with his opening address.

In a speech lasting 105 minutes, he set out HLM's case.

He told the inquiry: "Although you have a considerable objection from local residents, this MSA is intended for the safety, comfort and convenience of motorists.

"You will need to consider not only the objections of this council and the residents of this area, but also the needs of the 140,000 motorists who travel each day along this section of the M1 in the normal course of their daily lives.

"The evidence we will put to the inquiry supports the view originally taken by our clients, that the capacity of the MSAs to the north (of Redbourn), at Toddington and Newport Pagnell, are seriously stretched and therefore frequently incapable of providing the necessary opportunity to stop.

"The capacity of the existing MSAs at Toddington and Newport Pagnell constitute a compelling and convincing case for the urgent provision of a further MSA and also, that the appeal site is the only reasonable choice of location."

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