Further NGT dates announced
A DATE for the start of the Public Inquiry into the planned Leeds NGT trolleybus scheme and the inspector who will conduct the Inquiry have been announced.
Mr M J Whitehead has been appointed by the Secretary of State and will open the Inquiry on April 29.
A pre-inquiry meeting will be held next month to discuss the practical arrangements for the inquiry, to set the programme and to clarify the scope of the inquiry.
Leading business figures and developers of some of Leeds’ key schemes have backed the £250m New Generation Transport (NGT) system, describing the proposed trolleybus network as “critical” to the future success and development of the city.
Jeff Pearey, lead director at Jones Lang LaSalle said that the lack of an integrated transport system has held back Leeds from maximising its economic potential.
“NGT is the key to helping it unlock that potential for the future. It will deliver a range of financial benefits to the local economy, creating jobs and providing more people with easier access to the city centre,” he said.
Craig Burrow, regional director for Bruntwood, said: “We welcome the announcement and the opportunity the public inquiry presents to put forward the case for NGT and the benefits it will bring to commuters, to business and the city as a whole. Major investment in transport infrastructure is long overdue and key to improving connectivity and boosting the attractiveness of Leeds to investors and employers. We look forward to a successful outcome from the public inquiry so that we can move forward.”
Hammerson’s, Jones Lang LaSalle, Land Securities, Yorkshire Design Developments, Muse, Leeds Rugby Ltd, Allied London, Leeds Civic Trust, and SMG, operators of the first direct Arena, Leeds Hotel and Venues Association as well as Leeds University have all voiced their support.
Metro chairman, coun James Lewis, welcomed the news that a date has been set.
He said: “There has been a lot of debate over the planned NGT network, much of which I have been part of at meetings, public events and discussions along the NGT Line One route.
“The Public Inquiry will be an opportunity for Leeds City Council and Metro to present the significant transport, and economic benefits that will result from the scheme and a chance for those people opposed to the scheme to present any evidence that supports their claims.
“We have known from when we started developing NGT there would be a Public Inquiry so I’m pleased we now have a start date confirmed.”
