The Rupert Murdoch-owned publishing company is in negotiations with the Highways Agency, Hertfordshire County Council and the Rail Inspectorate over access to the site, which is flanked by the M25, the A10 and a railway line.

Another issue has arisen over a level crossing on Park Lane, the northern boundary of the site, due to concerns over the increased number of pedestrians expected to cross the road to access the site.

Peter Quaile, principal planning officer at Broxbourne Borough Council, said that the proposals would be put to the council's planning committee at its meeting at the end of July "at the latest".

The council's planning department has yet to recommend to the planning committee whether to approve the proposals or not. The recommendation must be filed before the plans can be considered.

Meanwhile, local residents who oppose the plans have expressed concern that NI has commenced construction work at the site without planning permission, according to local paper The Cheshunt and Waltham Cross Mercury.

Quaile said that workmen on the site were there conducting standard archaeological investigations.

Story by Josh Brooks