Sunday 1 November 2015

Leeds Trolleybus Inquiry Revisited…


Leeds Trolleybus Inquiry 
Revisited…

It is now a year and a day since the Leeds Trolleybus Vehicle System Order Inquiry was completed, or as it is known better to some of us, The Leeds Trolleybus Inquiry.



We understand that the Inspector, Mr Martin Whitehead, did, as promised, duly submit his report to the Secretary of State about the time of the election in May.  Some small progress has been made in the removal of the original supremo, Mr Robert Goodwill, from the decision making position, due to his former clearly stated view in favour long before the plans were developed or the Public Inquiry carried out.



Full detail on this story and all other ongoing news in recent times is to be found on the blog page of the Stop The Trolleybus campaign.




But are we any closer to finding out the decision?



Councillor James Lewis still claims that the case for the trolleybus is ‘compelling’, Mr Dave Haskins of NGT has been globe trotting telling the world how Britain is taking the lead in exciting new transport developments with his trolleybus


and a letter to the Telegraph




claims that “There are now as many trolleybus systems running worldwide as there are trams, and Leeds will have such a system in 2020”  Perhaps this gentleman knows something we others in the public don’t? 



We have often seen the shadowy presence of Tbus, a trolleybus promotional group working here and there in the NGT campaign and this is just the kind of trick that they would pull, hoping that the Minister will chance upon such a letter as he leafs through the papers over his morning coffee.  Neurolinguistic and predictive programming are well recognised psychological techniques whereby suggestions are put to recipients of such information which already assume the desired outcomes in veiled ways, couched behind other statements.  But this is no more than a convenient lie and doubtless the writer knows it. 



Emeritus Professor of Transport Planning Peter Bonsall was quick off the mark in repost. 




He and the illustrious Gregory Jones QC took up many fascinating hours last summer picking apart the trolleybus scheme, and demonstrated amongst other things that trolleybus schemes are disruptive to traffic when they do not have fully segregated lanes, as would occur along this route, and that with the new advances in battery bus technology this much more flexible option is to be preferred.  This is not to mention even that NGT witnesses admitted it would cause more congestion than at present, and the fact that the business case was brought into serious doubt when the laughable examples of ‘public consultation’ were exposed.  You would have to listen to the audio recordings to believe it was possible.  Which conveniently, you can do, here.  (More on that later.)


Index of which can be found here




So what we have seen in recent time is a war of words to influence the final decision of the Minister, who should really be following the advice of the Inspector.



We as the Objectors felt that it was us, and First West Yorkshire who had the ‘compelling’ case, as the Professor and Mr Jones dismantled the case presented by NGT.



We have been told that a decision may well take until the end of the year, so we should not be impatient, but there are still matters of concern which are at last coming into the light of day.



I was always dissatisfied with the attitude of Leeds City Council, Metro and NGT towards the documentation of the proceedings of the Public Inquiry.  It may well be the case, as the Inspector told me more than once, that the recordings which our Objectors group made of all the sessions of the Inquiry, and which I co-ordinated the uploading of on my Mixcloud site


cannot be accepted as an official record of the Inquiry.  However, I raised the matter of a formal record of the Inquiry with various different people and they were all adamant that there was to be no official record, neither audio nor a written transcript.  Mr Whitehead had no personal secretary and made all his own notes.  Perhaps for that he can be thought to have earned his £630 per day, but how can we be sure that every detail he wrote down is correct, if there is no objective record? 



It was a matter of some alarm to us in the Objectors group that it was some weeks into the Inquiry before Mr Whitehead apparently became aware that the trolleybus route was not fully segregated.  Probably the single most important factor in whether a system such as this would improve or harm the existing state of affairs.



And with Cllr Lewis claiming that the case is ‘compelling’, then we surely must have the compelling points explained to us, since we cannot see them.  Besides which, the idea of compulsion is somewhat repugnant, but the pugnacious bully boy of Metro is determined to compel us.



Well, it may be that I in my humble estate was unable to prevail upon Leeds CC or the Inspector to set about the institution of a formal record, but those perhaps more recognised by their positions have set matters in motion which need to be resolved.



Professor Christopher Todd has dug out some information about Public Inquiries which we should all have known before this began, and it has been drawn to the attention of Greg Mulholland, MP for the constituency through which much of the route would travel.



So I have reprised my pursuit of the goal of some recognition of the need for a public record and wrote this to the Yorkshire Evening Post the other day.



Sir,



There is a debate behind the scenes of the trolleybus inquiry which will not go away.



At the pre-Inquiry meeting last year I asked if an audio recording or video live stream would be made available.  Councillor John Illingworth also supported this request, and put it to Leeds CC.  At the time I asked the Inspector if it would be acceptable for the public to make recordings, and I was told yes. 



When the Inquiry began Cllr Illingworth informed me that LCC claimed it was too expensive and that no recordings would be made.



With the co-operation of concerned Objectors I co-ordinated our own recordings and uploads of this material.  Unofficial though these were, they were referred to many, many times during the Inquiry, by the Inspector himself, counsel and witnesses.



The Objectors have always been disappointed that officials of LCC such as James Lewis were dismissive of the need for a public record.



It recently came to my attention that this was the subject of legislation and guidance.

 

In A Guide to Public Inquiries, put out by the Office of the Traffic Commissioner:


one finds: “RECORDING OF THE INQUIRY 3.11 The proceedings will be recorded so that a transcript can be produced should one be required.”



And when Inquiries Act 2005 was examined in select committee


the importance of “transcripts of evidence” was stressed. Otherwise people “are largely left painfully to acquire such knowledge for themselves.”



It is my understanding that this shortcoming in the lack of official recordings or transcripts has been drawn to the attention of Greg Mulholland, MP, who one hopes will pursue the matter.



Certainly it is unsatisfactory that there should be no official public record of proceedings which ran to 72 days over six months and cost Leeds taxpayers several million pounds.



Yours,





This has not yet been published, but it is my hope that it will be, and then with the support of an MP there may at last be questions asked of people who need to give better answers than they have in the past. 



As one who has long been unhappy with the shilly-shallying of Leeds City Councillors it would not in the least surprise me if the avoidance of the making of a formal public record was somewhere in the back of someone’s mind as a get out if the evidence was required to be subjected to further scrutiny.  If it wasn’t, one is left to consider the abject lack of standards that could lead to the expenditure of some £2.6 million pounds on an inquiry into an infrastructure project that would radically transform the areas affected and be expected to run for some 60 years or so, and there is no actual record of the evidence that was given. 




This is really crucial.  When I approached Cllr Lewis about this, all he was interested in were the documents which NGT entered, and neither did he attend the Inquiry as a witness to be examined on this, nor did he even come to listen to the examinations of others or Objectors evidence.  He claims not to have even listened to the recordings online. So he has absolutely no idea of the shortcomings of the scheme as exposed by both the professionals as well as the local amateurs opposed to it.



As a political cynic from way back, forgive me for saying, but this looks like an attempt at a whitewash to me.  I can’t speak for the Inspector, perhaps his hands were tied in ways we don’t know, but the dismal disregard for the needs or rights of the local citizenry to even know what was going on at the Inquiry should call the entire bid by Leeds City Council into doubt.  The truth fears no investigation, and if the likes of Cllr Lewis and his cronies are so convinced that their case is compelling, they won’t have any difficulties in endorsing the recordings which the Objectors group and I made public for the greater good.



This is all rather reminiscent of how the Inquiry began, when Chris Foren, Chair of the A660 Joint Council requested the release of feedback material which had been given at consultation events.  The NGT team resisted for a short time, but clearly their counsel, the erudite Neil Cameron QC will have prevailed upon them to release this material, which they did before long.



This is a much larger body of material to transcribe, but if they are so convinced of their case, I hope they won’t mind spending a little bit more of our Council Tax on making it available, or at least endorsing the recordings (which were made at our own expense), so that the material can be recognised for what it is, the only truly objective record of the proceedings of the trolleybus inquiry, and be open to scrutiny by a wider public. 



It is as I have said, the Truth Fears No Examination.  I do not fear the forensic examination of these recordings, either technically to verify that they have not been altered beyond the needs of enhancement of audibility (as I stated in an affidavit document to the Inquiry), nor in their spoken contents.  It is perhaps this latter which the august Councillors who propose the NGT scheme fear, and why they would prefer that there were no objective record, but only their quips and soundbites, which find no support in the actual evidence as presented to the Inquiry.



 This is an exercise in transparency.  Will LCC and Metro come clean?










Saturday 8 November 2014

Leeds Trolleybus Inquiry – Index of Audio Recordings


Leeds Trolleybus Inquiry 

– 

Index of Audio Recordings

The data here was extracted from my blog http://cosmicclaire.blogspot.co.uk. and compiled by David Tong, a supporter of the Stop The Trolleybus campaign, for which I am most grateful. 
The blog includes a commentary on each session. The links without the commentary are also available at http://a660.org/.
Note:  When I began recording and blogging on this, I used the spelling 'Enquiry' and then a few days in I realised that it was officially being spelt 'Inquiry', but continued using my first spelling for the sake of continuity and consistency.  Both spellings are accepted in the Oxford English Dictionary. 

 In reverse order, here is the entire Inquiry, bar a few minutes.

Day 72: 31.10.14
In the first morning session of Day 72 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, the final day, Wednesday 31st October 2014, after dealing with procedural matters and outstanding issues Neil Cameron QC commences the Closing Statement on behalf of the Applicant NGT for the trolleybus scheme proposals.

In the late morning of Day 72, and final session of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 31st October 2014, Neil Cameron QC completes his Closing Statement on the NGT case for a trolleybus scheme.  There is then a short time given over to scheduling site visits including one to see First’s latest bus, some outstanding questions are dealt with, and the Inspector draws the Enquiry to a close, thanking everyone for their good manners and courtesy over the space of the six months in which it has sat.
Day 71: 30.10.14
In the first morning session of Day 71 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry uncertainty still remains as to whether the Leeds College of Art will be presenting its case or whether a settlement has been reached.  In addition there is a somewhat fraught exchange between Gregory Jones QC, the Inspector Mr Whitehead and Neil Cameron QC about the timing of the Applicant’s presentation of their Closings.

In the short midday session of Day 71 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry we hear about the agreement which has ostensibly ‘more than likely’ been completed between the Leeds College of Art and the Promoter, but not yet actually been signed.
Day 70: 29.10.14
In the short morning session of Day 70 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 29th October 2014, there is discussion about programming matters before adjournment until the afternoon.

In the afternoon session of Day 70 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 29th October 2014, Gregory Jones QC makes the Closing Statement from First West Yorkshire after some delays for the printing of documents.
There was a brief adjournment after the first sixteen minutes which I have represented by a two second gap before resumption for the remainder of the afternoon.
Day 69: 28.10.14
In the morning session of Day 69 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 28th October 2014, there is extensive and lengthy discussion of the Deemed Planning Permissions with respect to the proposed NGT trolleybus scheme.

In the early afternoon session of Day 69 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 28th October 2014, there is discussion of the Building Order with respect to the proposed NGT trolleybus scheme.

In the mid afternoon session o of Day 69 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 28th October 2014, Mr David Graham for First West Yorkshire raises some points with respect to the Building Order of the proposed NGT trolleybus scheme.

In the late afternoon session of Day 69 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 28th October 2014, Closing Submissions are given on behalf of the Northwest Leeds Transport Forum, Weetwood Residents and West Park Residents Associations.
Day 68: 23.10.14
In morning session of Day 68 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 23rd October 2014, representatives from Leeds City Council, NGT, First West Yorkshire and the North West Leeds Transport Forum as well as local residents discuss the proposed Deemed Planning Permissions around the trolleybus scheme.

In afternoon session of Day 68 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 23rd October 2014, representatives from Leeds City Council, NGT, First West Yorkshire and the North West Leeds Transport Forum as well as local residents continue to discuss the proposed Deemed Planning Permissions around the trolleybus scheme
Day 67: 22.10.14
In first morning session of Day 67 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 22nd October 2014, Mr Chris Foren, Chair of the A660 Joint Council completes his evidence and there is some cross examination.

In late morning session of Day 67 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 22nd October 2014, Mr John Buchan, Ian Liptrot from Belle Isle and Mr George Jennings give their evidence against the NGT scheme.  There is some examination, and then Claire Randall firstly gives the audio visual evidence which was postponed from her previous statement due to technical issues and then gives the case for Brenda MacIntosh, local private objector.

In early afternoon session of Day 67 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 22nd October 2014, there is discussion around the presentation of evidence by Mr Bill McKinnon, some of which is ostensibly new to the Enquiry.

In late afternoon session of Day 67 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 22nd October 2014, Mr Bill McKinnon gives his slightly emended evidence on behalf of North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association and there is some examination.
Day 66: 21.10.14
The first morning session of Day 66 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 21st October 2014, Carol Carey Campbell, Publisher of North Leeds Life, gives her case against the NGT scheme and is examined on her case.

In the late morning session of Day 66 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 21st October 2014 Dr John Dickinson for the Weetwood Residents Association gives evidence against the NGT scheme and is cross examined on it by Neil Cameron QC and the Inspector.

In the early afternoons session of Day 66 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 21st October 2014. Mrs Katie Fabri, local Headingley resident gives her evidence against the NGT proposals.

In the late afternoon session of Day 64 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 21st October 2014, Professor John Griffiths gives his evidence and is examined by Mr Walton.  Mr Chris Foren, Chair of the A660 Joint Council commences his case.
Day 65: 17.10.14
The first morning session of Day 65 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, 17th October 2014, Mr Anzir Boodoo, a former student of Transport Studies at Leeds University gives his case regarding the NGT proposals and is examined on it.

In the mid morning session of Day 64 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Friday, 17th October 2014, Mr Anzir Boodoo, a former student of Transport Studies at Leeds University gives his case regarding the NGT proposals and is examined on it.

In the early afternoons session of Day 64 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Friday, 17th October 2014, 17th October 2014, Doug Kemp gives the case against NGT for the West Park Residents and is followed by Michael Broadbent, former Traffic Police Inspector.. 
Day 64: 16.10.14
The first morning session of Day 64 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 16th October 2014, Mr John Brooks gives his statement of case and is examined by Gregory Jones QC for First West Yorkshire. 
Due to the extreme quietness with which this witness spoke it has been necessary to make numerous level adjustments in order to improve audibility.

In the mid morning session of Day 64 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 16th October 2014, Mr John Brooks for First West Yorkshire, is examined on his evidence by Gregory Jones QC.
A short adjournment was taken a few minutes into this session which I have represented with a two second gap joining the two segments into one.
Due to the extreme quietness with which this witness spoke it has been necessary to make numerous level adjustments in order to improve audibility.

In the early afternoons session of Day 64 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 16th October 2014, Neil Cameron QC commences his examination of Mr John Brooks.

In the late afternoon session of Day 64 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 16th October 2014, Neil Cameron QC cross examines Mr John Brooks. Due to the extreme quietness with which this witness spoke it has been necessary to make numerous level adjustments in order to improve audibility.
Day 63: 15.10.14
The first morning session of Day 63 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 15th October 2014, is taken up with programming matters and the matter of some late documents submitted by the Applicant.

In the mid morning session of Day 63 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 15th October 2014, Ms Katie Lightbody, expert conservation witness for First West Yorkshire, gives her evidence in chief and is examined on it by Gregory Jones QC.

In the late morning session of Day 63 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 15th October 2014, Gregory Jones QC concludes his examination of Ms Katie Lightbody, expert conservation witness for First West Yorkshire, and is followed Mr Walton for the Applicant NGT.

In the early afternoon session of Day 63 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 15th October 2014, Gregory Jones QC re-examines Ms Katie Lightbody.

In the late afternoon session of Day 63 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 15th October 2014, the Inspector holds an open round discussion on planning conditions should the TWA Order for the Applicant be granted.
Day 62: 14.10.14
The first morning session of Day 62 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 14th October 2014, is taken up with programming matters for some forty minutes.

In the mid morning session of Day 62 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 14th October 2014, Mr John Reid, local resident, retired planner and private objector gives his evidence against the NGT scheme.  Mrs Jenny Phelps, the operator of a hair and beauty salon on Headingley Lane.

In the late morning session of Day 62 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 14th October 2014, Mr Nabarro gives the case on behalf of Mrs S Baskind, owner of property on Shaw Lane corner and is followed by Cllr Barry Anderson (C) Adel and Wharfedale, who is cross examined on his case.

In the early afternoon session of Day 62 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 14th October 2014, Mr Geoff Steele gives the case on behalf of Dr Ruth Cunliffe for the Adel Association, and Cllr Jonathan Bentley (Cllr for Weetwood) speaks on his own objection and on behalf of his constituents.

In the late afternoon session of Day 62 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 14th October 2014, Mr Nigel Sleeman gives his case against the NGT scheme and is cross examined by both Mr Walton and the Inspector.
Day 61: 10.10.14
In the first morning session of Day 6[1] of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Friday 9th Oct 2014, Mr Stuart Natkus on behalf of Morley House Trust (LGHS) and other local Statutory Objectors, gives their cases against the NGT proposals.

In the late morning session of Day 6[1]  of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Friday 9th Oct 2014, Mr Stuart Natkus on behalf of Morley House Trust (LGHS) and other local Statutory Objectors, completes their cases against the NGT proposals and Neil Cameron QC for the Applicant begins his cross examination.

In the afternoon session of Day 6[1]  of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Friday 9th Oct 2014, Mr Stuart Natkus is cross examined by Neil Cameron QC for the Applicant NGT as well as by the Inspector.
Day 60: 09.10.14
In the first morning session of Day 60 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 9th Oct 2014, retired town planner Mr Tony Ray gives the Heritage case against the NGT scheme on behalf of the North West Leeds Transport Forum.

In the late morning session of Day 60 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 9th Oct 2014, Mrs Helen Pickering gives the Heritage case against the NGT scheme on behalf of the Drummond and Churchwoods Residents' Association.

In the afternoon session of Day 60 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 9th Oct 2014, Mrs Helen Pickering completes the Heritage case of the Drummonds and Churchwoods Residents' Association against the trolleybus scheme and is then cross examined by Mr Walton for the Applicant NGT and then by both Inspectors.
Day 59: 08.10.14
In the first  morning session of Day 59 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 8th Oct 2014,  Dawn Carey Jones on behalf of the South Headingley Community Association and herself gives the cases against the NGT trolleybus scheme.  Sue Buckle of the SHCA also supports this case.

In the late morning session of Day 59 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 8th Oct 2014, Dawn Carey Jones on behalf of the South Headingley Community Association and herself completes their cases against the NGT trolleybus scheme. Sue Buckle of the SHCA also supports this case.

In the afternoon session of Day 59 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 8th Oct 2014, Mr Walton for the Applicant NGT and the Inspector cross examine Dawn Carey Jones and Sue Buckle on their cases for themselves and the South Headingley Community Association against the trolleybus scheme.
Day 58: 07.10.14
On Day 58  of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 7th Oct 2014  there was only one short session since the programmed witness Ms Katie Lightbody had been taken ill last night.  There was discussion around the programming schedule.  The Enquiry resumes tomorrow, Wednesday 8th October at 9.30 am.
Day 57: 06.10.14
In the early afternoon session of Day 57 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Monday 6th October 2014, Mr Ian Barraclough, on behalf of the residents and management of Headingley Castle, gives their cases against the NGT proposals. 

In the late afternoon session of Day 57 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Monday 6th October 2014 Mr Ian Barraclough, on behalf of the residents and management of Headingley Castle, continues to give their cases against the NGT proposals, and is examined by Mr Walton for the Applicant and the Inspector. 
Day 56: 03.10.14
In the only session of Day 56 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Friday 3rd October 2014 cases of objection to NGT are given by Mr Mike Holmes Practice Manager Highfield Surgery in Holt Park, Matthew Hill local resident and finally Catherine Shuttleworth, Governor of Richmond House School.  There is some examination by Mr Cameron and the Inspector.
Day 55: 02.10.14
In the first morning session of Day 55 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday October 2014, Mr Jeff Fawcett gives the case on behalf of Adel and Wharfedale Labour Part.  This if followed by cases from Mr John Crawley on questions around Burton Crescent and Janet Matthews a qualified accountant on the public expenditure involved. There is some examination by Mr Walton for the Applicant NGT and by the Inspector.

In the late morning session of Day 55 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday October 2014, Lorraine Nelis, tenant of the fields on Headingley Hill and Mr Ian Simpson both give their cases for objection to the NGT scheme and there is some examination from counsel for the Applicant and the Inspector.

In the early afternoon session of Day 55 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday October 2014, cases for objection are given by Mr Alan Haigh, and by Mr George Geapin who concentrates on electric installation issues of the trolleybus system.

In the late afternoon session of Day 55 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 3rd October 2014, Mr George Geapin is examined by the Inspector.
Day 54: 01.10.14
In the first morning session of Day 54 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 1st October 2014 Neil Cameron QC on behalf of the Applicant NGT continues to cross examine Emeritus Professor of Transport Planning Studies Peter Bonsall on his evidence against the trolleybus scheme.

In the late morning session of Day 54 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 1st October 2014 Neil Cameron QC on behalf of the Applicant NGT concludes his cross examination of Emeritus Professor of Transport Planning Studies Peter Bonsall on his evidence against the trolleybus scheme.  This is then followed by the Inspector who asks a number of questions of his own.

In the early afternoon session of Day 54 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 1st October Chris Longley of the Federation of Small Businesses presents his evidence and there is some cross examination from the Inspector.

In the late afternoon session of Day 54 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 1st October cases are given against the NGT scheme by Mr Graham Lauder and Mrs Susan Sleeman, both long term residents of Leeds 6.
Day 53: 30.09.14
In the first morning session of Day 53 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 30th September 2014, Mr Doug Kemp presents evidence on behalf of the North West Leeds Transport Forum, West Park Residents and himself against the NGT proposals. There is some examination by Neil Cameron QC on behalf of the Applicant and then by the Inspector.

In the late morning session of Day 53 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 30th September 2014, Emeritus Professor of Transport Planning Studies Peter Bonsall goes through his evidence in chief against the NGT scheme, drawing attention to many flaws in the planning.

In the early afternoon session of Day 53 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 30th September 2014, Emeritus Professor of Transport Planning Studies Peter Bonsall is cross examined on his evidence by Neil Cameron QC on behalf of the Applicant NGT.

In the late afternoon session of Day 53 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 30th September 2014 Neil Cameron QC on behalf of the Applicant NGT continues to cross examine Emeritus Professor of Transport Planning Studies Peter Bonsall on his evidence against the trolleybus scheme.
Day 52: 26.09.14
In the first morning session of Day 52 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Friday 26th September 2014, Neil Cameron QC continues his cross examination of Mr David Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First Bus on behalf of the Applicant for the TWO, NGT.

In the late morning session of Day 52 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Friday 26th September 2014, Neil Cameron QC concludes his cross examination of Mr David Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First Bus on behalf of the Applicant for the TWO, NGT.  The Inspector then has some questions of his own.

In the afternoon session of Day 52 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Friday 26th September 2014, Gregory Jones QC re-examines Mr David Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First Bus.
Day 51: 25.09.14
In the first morning session of Day 51 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 25 September 2014, Mr David Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First Bus is taken through his evidence in chief by Gregory Jones QC.

In the late morning session of Day 51 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 25 September 2014, Gregory Jones QC continues to take Mr David Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First Bus through his evidence in chief.

In the early afternoon session of Day 51 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 25 September 2014, Gregory Jones QC concludes taking Mr David Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First Bus through his evidence in chief and then Neil Cameron QC begins his cross examination on behalf of the Applicant for the TWO, NGT.

In the late afternoon session of Day 51 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 25 September 2014, Neil Cameron QC continues his cross examination of Mr David Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First Bus on behalf of the Applicant for the TWO, NGT.
Day 50: 24.09.14
In the first morning session of Day 50 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 24 September 2014, Louise Howard Long and Chris Sheard for the Meanwood Valley Partnership present their cases of objection to the NGT scheme and there is some examination by Neil Cameron QC and the Inspector.

In the late morning session of Day 50 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 24 September 2014, Mr Stephen Hammond and then Mr Stuart Archbold, private objectors, give their cases of objection to the NGT scheme and there is some examination by Neil Cameron QC and the Inspector.

In the early afternoon session of Day 50 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 24 September 2014, Mr Malcolm Bell and then Mr Martin Fitzsimons give their cases of objection to the NGT scheme and there is some examination by Neil Cameron QC and the Inspector.

In the late afternoon session of Day 50 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Wednesday 24 September 2014 Claire Randall first represents the cases for four others and then delivers her own case and is questioned on some points by the Inspector.
Day 49: 23.09.14
In the first morning session of Day 49 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, 23rd Sept 2014, Deborah Fahey of the Whitfields Against The Trolleybus group gives her evidence against the NGT scheme and is examined by Mr Walton for the Applicant and the Inspector, Mr Martin Whitehead.

In the late morning session of Day 49 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, 23rd Sept 2014, Professor Christopher Todd gives his statement of case in objection to the proposed NGT scheme and is examined by Mr Walton for the Applicant and then by the Inspector Mr Martin Whitehead.  Ms Elizabeth Reather for Leeds Cycle Action begins but is deferred to after the lunch break for circulation of documents.

In the early afternoon session of Day 49 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, 23rd Sept 2014, Ms Elizabeth Reather, on behalf of Leeds Cycle Action, gives their case for objection to the NGT scheme and is then examined by Neil Cameron QC and the Inspector, Mr Martin Whitehead. Following this Mrs Christine Perry gives evidence on behalf of Mrs Betty Claughton, a resident of West Park who would stand to lose part of her front garden to the road widening proposed by the scheme.  Questions follow from Mr Walton and the Inspector.

In the late afternoon session of Day 49 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, 23rd Sept 2014, evidence is given by Mr Doug Kemp on behalf of Mrs Bell, a resident of West Park whose property would be affected by the required works for the scheme, Ms Emma Stewart who amongst other concerns addresses disable access issues and Mr Ken Torode, a local resident who addresses discrimination against elderly passengers’ access to the scheme.  There is some cross examination by counsel for the Applicant.
Day 48: 12.09.14
Early Morning
In the first morning session of Day 48 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Friday 12 September 2014, Mr Richard Caten is cross examined by Mr Bill McKinnon for Friends of Woodhouse Moor and then by Mrs Sue Sleeman on behalf of Ms Dawn Carey Jones for South Headingley Community Association who was unable to attend in person.

Late Morning
In the late morning session of Day 48 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Friday 12 September 2014, the Inspector Mr Martin Whitehead has some questions for Mr Caten on land acquisition for the proposed NGT trolleybus scheme.  Mr Walton for NGT had no questions for re-examination.  After this, Mrs Riddell gives the first evidence for an Objector against the NGT scheme on behalf of residents at Weetwood Court in West Park, followed by her husband Mr Riddell on the more technical aspects of the impacts and then is cross examined by Mr Walton. 

The Enquiry now breaks for a week and resumes on Tuesday 23rd Sept 2014 at 10am.
Day 47: 11.09.14
Early Morning
In the first morning session of Day 47 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Thursday 11 September 2014 Mr Bill McKinnon for Friends of Woodhouse Moor resumes his cross examination of Mr Kevin Leather of Mott MacDonald on the NGT Environmental Statement and is followed by Ms Dawn Carey Jones for the South Headingley Community Association.

Late Morning
In the late morning session of Day 47 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Thursday 11 September 2014 Ms Dawn Carey Jones for the South Headingley Community Association concludes her cross examination  Mr Kevin Leather of Mott MacDonald on the NGT Environmental Statement and is followed by Mr Chris Foren for the A660 Joint Council and then the Inspector, Mr Martin Whitehead before the lunch break is taken.

Early Afternoon
In the early afternoon session of Day 47 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Thursday 11 September 2014 Mr Walton for the Applicant carries out his re-examination of Mr Kevin Leather of Mott MacDonald on his Environmental Statement.

Late Afternoon
In the late afternoon session of Day 47 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Thursday 11 September 2014 Mr Richard Caten of Ardent is examined on his evidence about Land Management by Mr Walton for the Applicant NGT, followed by Mrs Helen Pickering for the Drummonds and Churchwoods Residents’ Association and then by Mr David Graham for First West Yorkshire.  There is a short discussion about programming matters over the examination of Document B-13.
Day 46: 10.09.14
Early Morning
In the first morning session of Day 46 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Wed 10th September 2014 Mr Kevin Leather presents his evidence in chief on the NGT Environmental Statement, is taken through this by Mr Walton for the Applicant and then Gregory Jones QC for First West Yorkshire cross examines him on his evidence.

Late Morning
In the late morning session of Day 46 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Wed 10th September 2014 Gregory Jones QC for First West
Yorkshire continues to cross examine Mr Kevin Leather on the NGT Environmental Statement.

Early Afternoon
In the early afternoon session of Day 46 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Wed 10th September 2014 Gregory Jones QC for First West Yorkshire completes his cross examine of Mr Kevin Leather of Mott MacDonald on the NGT Environmental Statement.

Late Afternoon
In the late afternoon session of Day 46 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Wed 10th September 2014 first Mr Stuart Natkus for Morley House Trust and then Mr Bill McKinnon for Friends of Woodhouse Moor cross examine Mr Kevin Leather of Mott MacDonald on the NGT Environmental Statement.
Day 45: 09.09.14
Early Morning
In the first morning session of Day 45 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tues 9th Sept 2014 Mr Max Forni Principal Acoustic Engineer, Mott Macdonald, is cross examined firstly by Mr Walton for the Applicant, NGT and then by Gregory Jones QC for First West Yorkshire on the noise impacts of the development or running of the proposed NGT trolleybus system. #trolleybus #lovinleeds

Late Morning
In the late morning session of Day 45 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tues 9th Sept 2014 Gregory Jones QC for First West Yorkshire completes his cross examination of Mr Max Forni Principal Acoustic Engineer, Mott Macdonald, on the noise impacts of the development and running of the proposed NGT trolleybus system.  He is followed by Mr Barraclough on behalf of Headingley Castle and its residents, then Mr Bill McKinnon for Friends of Woodhouse Moor, and finally Mr Walton who re-examines Mr Forni on behalf of NGT.
Day 44: 05.09.14
Early Morning
In the first morning session of Day 44 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Fri 5th Sept Cameron QC commences his cross examination of Paul Turner, Commercial Director of First West Yorkshire

Late Morning
In the late morning session of Day 44 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Fri 5th Sept Neil Cameron QC continues his cross examination of Paul Turner, Commercial Director of First West Yorkshire, on matters around First's response to the NGT proposals.

Afternoon Session
In the afternoon session of Day 44 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Fri 5th Sept Neil Cameron QC concludes his cross examination of Paul Turner, Commercial Director of First West Yorkshire and is followed by Gregory Jones QC who makes a short re-examination of Mr Turner.
Day 43: 04.09.14
Early Morning
 In the first morning session of Day 43 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thurs 4th Sept 2014 Neil Cameron QC, counsel for the Applicant NGT cross examines Mr Chris Cheek, expert witness for First West Yorkshire on his evidence, dealing with matters around the viability of the proposed NGT trolleybus scheme.

Late Morning
 In the late morning session of Day 43 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thurs 4th Sept 2014 Neil Cameron QC for NGT concludes his examination of Mr Chris Cheek, expert witness for First West Yorkshire, focussing in this section largely on operation matters comparing buses with the proposed NGT trolleybus scheme.

Early Afternoon
In the early afternoon session of Day 43 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 4th September 2014, Gregory Jones QC re-examines Mr Chris Cheek, expert witness for First West Yorkshire on his overview of the NGT trolleybus scheme.

Late Afternoon
In the late afternoon session of Day 43 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Thursday 4th September 2014, Gregory Jones QC examines Mr Paul Turner, First's regional head of commercial on operational matters comparing NGT trolleybus to the existing bus services, some of which have run continuously since the 1950s
Day 42: 03.09.14
Early Morning
In the first morning session of Day 42 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Wednesday 3rd September 2014 Gregory Jones continues to examine Mr Chris Cheek, expert witness for First West Yorkshire on the viability of the NGT trolleybus proposals.

Late morning
In the late morning session of Day 42 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Wednesday 3rd September 2014 Gregory Jones continues to examine Mr Chris Cheek, expert witness for First West Yorkshire on the viability of the NGT trolleybus proposals.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of Day 42 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Wednesday 3rd September 2014 Neil Cameron QC commences his examination of Mr Chris Cheek, expert witness for First West Yorkshire on the viability of the NGT trolleybus proposals.

Late afternoon
In the late afternoon session of Day 42 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Wednesday 3rd September 2014 Neil Cameron QC continues to examine Mr Chris Cheek, expert witness for First West Yorkshire on the viability of the NGT trolleybus proposals.
Day 41: 02.09.14
Early Morning
In the first morning session of the Day 41 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 2nd September 2014, the Enquiry resumes after the summer break with Gregory Jones QC, for First (Bus) West Yorkshire cross examining Mr Steve Speak who is representing Leeds City Council on Planning matters concerning the NGT trolleybus proposals.

Late Morning
In the late morning session of Day 41 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 2nd September 2014 Gregory Jones QC continues to cross examine Mr Steve Speak on Planning considerations regarding the NGT scheme, in this session concentrating on planning guidelines around heritage assets and damage to them.

Early Afternoon
In the early afternoon session of Day 41 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Tuesday 2nd September 2014 Gregory Jones QC concludes his cross examination of Mr Steve Speak on Planning considerations regarding the NGT scheme.

Mid Afternoon
In the brief mid afternoon session of Day 41 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Mr Steve Speak concludes his session as witness when he is re-examined by Neil Cameron QC for the Applicant NGT.

Late Afternoon
In the late afternoon session of Day 41 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, Public Transport expert Mr Cheek gives his evidence in chief for First West Yorkshire and is then cross examined by Gregory Jones QC.

The inquiry adjourned on 24-07-2014 (Day 40). It resumed again on 02-09-2014.
Day 40: 24.07.14
Early Morning
In the first morning session of Day 40 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, after admin and timetable matters have been dealt with, Mr Stuart Natkus, acting for his clients, Statutory Objectors, examines Professor Jeremy Purseglove on ecological issues around Headingley Hill.

Late Morning
In the late morning session of Day 40 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Gregory Jones QC completes his cross examination of Mr Neil Chadwick on the business case for NGT and is followed by Neil Cameron QC who carries out the re-examination of the witness. The Inspector then gives his decision on the matter of whether he will accept the Heritage technical appendix and this is followed by some brief discussion of the coming timetable. The Enquiry is now adjourned for the summer break and will resume on 10am Tuesday 2nd September 2014.
Day 39: 23.07.14
Early Morning
In the first morning session of Day 39 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Mr Cameron gives his verbal response to the letters that have been generated in reply to the submission of the additional 370 page Heritage document some weeks ago. This is followed by the Inspector’s deliberations and Mr Jones for First.

Late Morning
In the late morning session of Day 39 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry 23 July 2014 Mr Stuart Natkus cross examines Mr Speak on Planning issues for his clients who are statutory objectors and is followed by Mr Chris Foren for the A660 Joint Council.

Early Afternoon
In the early afternoon session of Day 39 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry 23 July 2014 Mr Chris Foren for the A660 Joint Council completes his examination of Mr Speak on Planning issues and is followed by Ms Dawn Carey Jones for the South Headingley Community Association.

Late Afternoon
In the late afternoon session of Day 39 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry 23 July 2014 Neil Cameron QC re-examines Mr Speak and is then followed by Gregory Jones QC who picks up his cross examination of Mr Neil Chadwick on the business case for the proposed NGT system.


Day 38: 22.07.14
Early Morning
In the first morning session of Day 38 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Emeritus Professor Peter Bonsall cross examines the recalled Mr Neil Chadwick on the business case focussing on the arguments around passenger preferences.

Late Morning
In the late morning session of Day 38 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, 22 July 2014, Professor Bonsall concludes his re-examination of Mr Neil Chadwick on the business case and justification for the NGT proposals, and is then followed by Gregory Jones QC who commences his own cross examination.

Early Afternoon
In the early afternoon session of Day 38 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, 22 July 2014, Gregory Jones QC continues his cross examination of Mr Neil Chadwick on the business case for the NGT trolleybus focussing on the methodology and research which is claimed to support the choice of pursuing this scheme.

Late Afternoon
In the late afternoon of Day 38 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, 22 July 2014, Gregory Jones QC continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick on the business case underlying the NGT trolleybus scheme proposals.
Day 37: 21.07.14
Early morning
In the only session of Day 37 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, 21 July 2014, Mr Bill McKinnon for Friends of Woodhouse Moor cross examines Mr Speak of Planning for Leeds City Council on planning issues around the trolleybus and green space provision which would be affected on Woodhouse Moor.
Day 36: 18.07.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of Day 36 of the Leeds Trolleybus Planning Enquiry 18 July 2014 the day begins with more discussion on the ongoing situation with letters being exchanged with respect to the submission of the 370 page Heritage technical document. Following this Neil Cameron QC takes Mr Speak of Planning through his evidence in Chief.

Late Morning
On the late morning session of Day 36 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry 18 July 2014 Neil Cameron QC completes his examination on Mr Speak's evidence in chief for Planning and then is followed by Mr Tony Ray a retired Town Planner who cross examines Mr Speak for the North West Leeds Transport Forum.

Afternoon
In the afternoon session of Day 36 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, 18 July 2014, the cross examination of Mr Speak for the Planning Policy on which the Trolleybus scheme rests is cross examined by Dr John Dickinson for Weetwood Resident's Association.
 Day 35: 17.07.14
Early morning
The first morning session of Day 35 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 17 2014 begins with about an hour of discussion around the letters between First West Yorkshire and the Applicant NGT over the submission of late Heritage technical evidence. This is then followed by Mrs Helen Pickering for the Drummonds and Churchwoods Residents Association who cross examines Mr Thomas Walker on the visual and landscape impacts on Far Headingley if the NGT scheme were to go ahead.

Late Morning
In the late morning session of Day 35 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 17 2014, Mr Stuart Natkus for Morley House Trust and others cross examines Mr Thomas Walker on the landscape and visual impacts on Headingley Lane which would be created by the NGT trolleybus scheme should it be approved and implemented.

Early Afternoon
In the early afternoon session of Day 35 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 17 2014, Ms Claire Randall cross examines Mr Thomas Walker on some aspects of trees relevant to the Enquiry and then concludes her examination by analysing the unnecessary and prejudicial changes which were made to the photomontages of key locations as they are expected to look should the NGT proposals be implemented.

Late Afternoon
In the late afternoon session of Day 35 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 17 2014, Mrs Sue Sleeman delivers questions to Mr Thomas Walker on behalf of Ms Claire Randall on the visual and landscape impact of the proposed NGT scheme on Headingley Lane should it be accepted and be implemented. She is then followed by the Inspector Mr Martin Whitehead who asks a short series of killer questions of Mr Walker before Neil Cameron QC who completes the re-examination of Mr Walker who has now completed his evidence as a witness at the Public Enquiry.
Day 34: 16.07.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of Day 34 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 16 2014, the cross examination of Mr Thomas Walker on the landscape impact that the NGT route would have begins with Mr Chris Foren for the A660 Joint Council and is continued by Mr Bill McKinnon for Friends of Woodhouse Moor.

Late morning
In the late morning session of Day 34 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 16 2014, Mr Bill McKinnon, for Friends of Woodhouse Moor, continues and completes his cross examination of Mr Thomas Walker on the visual and landscape impacts of the proposed trolleybus system on Woodhouse Moor if it went ahead.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of Day 34 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 16 2014, Dawn Carey Jones for the South Headingley Community Association cross examines Mr Thomas Walker concerning the impacts the NGT scheme would have on the area around Hyde Park Corner.

Late afternoon
In the late afternoon session of Day 34 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 16 2014, Mrs Helen Pickering of the Drummonds and Churchwoods Residents’ Association cross examines Mr Thomas Walker on the landscape and visual impacts which would occur should the NGT Trolleybus scheme be implemented.
Day 33: 15.07.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of Day 33 of the Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 15 2014, the matter of the Applicant's submission of a huge 370 page resubmission of their Heritage case is looked over by the Inspector and several objectors. Gregory Jones QC for First West Yorkshire raises the question of whether costs might be incurred due to the immense amount of work which would be required to review this document. Also whether private objectors would be in a position to claim costs, and not least whether the document should even be accepted by the Inspector and the implications for the entire Enquiry procedure should it be.

Late morning
In the late morning session of Day 33 at the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 15 2014, Gregory Jones QC cross examines Mr Thomas Walker on the subject of the impact on visual amenity of the scheme should it go ahead, the photomontages which have been made to illustrate this impact in some places and the replacement of trees which NGT wishes to fell.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 33 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, July 15 2014, Gregory Jones QC cross examines Mr Thomas Walker on the landscape impacts of tree loss and the categorisation of tree quality on critical sites.

Late afternoon
In the final session of Day 33 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Gregory Jones QC cross examined Mr Thomas Walker on landscape impacts of the proposed NGT trolleybus on the Leeds College of Art, for whom he was acting this afternoon.
Day 32: 27.06.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of Day 32 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 27 2014, Mr Thomas Walker responsible for the landscape plans for the NGT route sets out the evidence in chief with Mr Walton taking him through his statement and summary.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 32 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, June 25 2014 Mr John Reid cross examines Mr Thomas Walker on the landscape design case for the applicants, NGT

Afternoon
In the afternoon session of day 32 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, firstly Mr Tony Ray, retired Town Planner, for the North West Leeds Transport Forum, and finally Mr Doug Kemp of West Park Resident's Association, cross examine Mr Thomas Walker on the landscape proposals for the NGT route should it be implemented.
The Enquiry now breaks for two weeks and the next session will be on Tuesday 15 July 2014.
Day 31: 26.06.14
Morning
In the short session held on the morning of day 31 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 26 2014, Mr Bill McKinnon for Friends of Woodhouse Moor carries out his cross examination of Professor Jeremy Purseglove on the ecological impact of the proposed NGT trolleybus route.
Day 30: 25.06.14
Early morning
Mr Bill McKinnon cross examines Mr Neil Chadwick on his business case model for the NGT trolleybus scheme.

Late morning
Neil Cameron QC  re-examines Mr Neil Chadwick on his business case model for the NGT trolleybus scheme.

Early afternoon
Mr David Graham for First West Yorkshire cross examines Professor Jeremy Purseglove on the potential impact of the NGT trolleybus scheme on the local ecology along the proposed route.

Later afternoon
Mr Chris Foren for the A660 Joint Council cross examines Professor Jeremy Purseglove on the potential impact of the NGT trolleybus scheme on the local ecology along the proposed route and is followed by Ms Claire Randall, an independent private objector on the subject of mature and old trees.

Day 29: 24.06.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of day 29 of the Trolleybus Public Enquiry, June 24 2014, Professor Peter Bonsall continues with his cross examination of Mr Neil Chadwick on the business case for NGT.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 29 of the Trolleybus Public Enquiry, June 24 2014, Professor Peter Bonsall concludes his cross examination of Mr Neil Chadwick on the business case for NGT.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 29 of the Trolleybus Public Enquiry June 24 2014, Chris Longley of the Federation of Small Businesses cross examines Mr Neil Chadwick on the impact of the implementation of the NGT scheme on small businesses along the route.

Later afternoon
In the late afternoon session of day 29 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, June 24, 2014, several objectors cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick on the business case for the NGT trolleybus.

Day 28: 20.06.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of day 28 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Professor Peter Bonsall continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case which underlies the NGT proposals.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 28 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Professor Peter Bonsall continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case which underlies the NGT proposals.

Afternoon
In the afternoon session of day 28 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, firstly a private objector Mr Haig puts questions to Mr Chadwick, and then Professor Peter Bonsall continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case which underlies the NGT proposals.

Day 27: 19.06.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of day 27 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Professor Peter Bonsall continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case which underlies the NGT proposals.

Mid morning
In the mid morning session of day 27 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Professor Peter Bonsall continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case which underlies the NGT proposals.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 27 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Professor Peter Bonsall continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case which underlies the NGT proposals.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 27 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Professor Peter Bonsall continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case which underlies the NGT proposals.

Late afternoon
In the late afternoon session of day 27 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry Professor Peter Bonsall continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case which underlies the NGT proposals.

Day 26: 18.06.14

Early Morning
In the first morning session of day 26 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 18 2014, there is some business at first relating to a large box of documents which were submitted by Professor Christopher Todd but which appear to have been mislaid, and then when that has been dealt with, Neil Cameron QC continues to take Mr Neil Chadwick through his evidence and concludes at the end of this session.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 26 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, June 18 2014, Professor Peter Bonsall commences his cross examination of Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case on which the NGT proposals rely.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 26 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, June 18 2014, Emeritus Professor of Transport Studies Peter Bonsall continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case on which the NGT scheme rests.

Late afternoon
In the late afternoon session of day 26 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, June 18 2014, Emeritus Professor of Transport Studies Peter Bonsall continues to cross examine Mr Neil Chadwick who is responsible for the business case on which the NGT scheme rests.

Day 25: 17.06.14

Early Morning
In the first morning session of day 25 of the Public Enquiry the examination of Mr Paul Hanson with regards to his modelling of traffic and demand for the NGT trolleybus scheme is continued by Dr John Dickinson of the Weetwood Residents' Association and completed by Mr Nigel Sleeman, a private objector.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 25 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 17 2014, Neil Cameron QC re-examines Mr Paul Hanson on the subject of traffic and demand modelling which he carried out for the applicant, NGT/ Metro.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 25 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 17 2014, Neil Cameron QC takes Mr Neil Chadwick, responsible for the business case of the NGT trolleybus scheme, through his statement of case and proofs of evidence. 

Late afternoon
In the late afternoon session of Day 25 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 17 2014, Neil Cameron continues to take Mr Neil Chadwick through his Statement of Case concerning the business case for the NGT trolleybus.

Day 24: 13.06.14

Early Morning
In the first morning session of day 24 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, June 13 2014, Gregory Jones QC commences his cross examination of Mr Paul Hanson who is responsible for the traffic modelling used by NGT in their business case and application for a Transport and Works Act Order.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 24 of the Enquiry, June 13 2014, Gregory Jones QC continues the cross examination of Mr Paul Hanson who is responsible for the traffic and passenger demand modelling of the NGT trolleybus proposals.

Afternoon
In the final session of day 24 of the Enquiry, June 13 2014, Gregory Jones continues to examine Mr Paul Hanson with regard to his modelling of the traffic and demand for the NGT scheme.


Day 23: 12.06.14

Early Morning
In the first morning session of day 23 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 12 2014, Emeritus Professor of Transport Studies Peter Bonsall resumes his cross examination of Mr Paul Hanson on the modelling of projected demand for the proposed trolleybus.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 23 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 12 2014, Emeritus Professor of Transport Studies Peter Bonsall continues his cross examination of Mr Paul Hanson on the modelling of traffic and projected demand for the proposed trolleybus.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 23 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 12 2014, Emeritus Professor of Transport Studies Peter Bonsall continues his cross examination of Mr Paul Hanson on the modelling of traffic and projected demand for the proposed trolleybus.

Late afternoon
In the late afternoon session of day 23 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 12 2014, Emeritus Professor of Transport Studies Peter Bonsall concludes his cross examination of Mr Paul Hanson on the modelling of traffic and projected demand for the proposed trolleybus.

Day 22: 11.06.14

Early morning
In the first morning session of day 22 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 11 2014, after a long preamble about late submission of documents, Mr Paul Hanson, expert in traffic modelling continues with his summary Proofs of Evidence under the guidance of Mr Neil Cameron QC

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 22 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 11, Neil Cameron QC continues to take Mr Paul Hanson through the immensely complicated modelling process for traffic, buses, cars and people as it relates to the proposed NGT trolleybus system.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 22 at the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 11 2014, Neil Cameron QC concludes his introduction of Mr Paul Hanson and his evidence regarding traffic modelling and is followed by Peter Bonsall, Emeritus Professor of Transport Studies, who begins to examine the entire modelling structure upon which so much of the Applicant's test depends.

Late afternoon
In the final session of day 22 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, June 11 2014, Professor Peter Bonsall continues to examine the traffic modelling of the NGT system as it is presented and proposed by Mr Paul Hanson.

Day 21: 10.06.14
Day 21 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry saw the completion of the cross examination of Mr Sean Flesher, Head of Parks and Countryside. 


 In the first morning session of day 21 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 21 2014,  the Inspector Mr Whitehead asks a series of questions of Mr Sean Flesher, Head of Parks and Countryside, on impacts on green space, and is then followed by Mr Bill McKinnon, for Friends of Woodhouse Moor on how NGT would impact there.


In the late morning session of day 21 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry June 10 2014 Mr Bill McKinnon of the Friends of Woodhouse Moor completes his cross examines Mr Sean Flesher on the impact of the proposed trolleybus route on the most used park in Leeds.  He is then followed by Mrs Eileen Pattison speaking for Middleton Park Labour Party about the impact of NGT on Belle Isle Circus.  Lastly Mr Stuart Natkus representing Headingley Land Developments on the proposed public parks for Headingley Hill.


In the early afternoon session of day 21 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 10 2014, Ms Dawn Carey Jones cross examines Mr Sean Flesher, Head of Parks and Countryside on green space issues of the impact of the trolleybus route.


In the final session of day 21 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 10 2014, Neil Cameron QC for the Applicant introduces Mr Paul Hanson who is responsible for traffic modelling for the NGT scheme and takes him through his summary proof of evidence.
Day 20: 06.06.14


On day 20 of the Leeds trolleybus enquiry, June 06 2014, Mr Philip Ward, head of conservation at Leeds City Council is cross examined by Stuart Natkus for Morley House Trust (Leeds Girls High School) on heritage issues around the moving of the long wall on Headingley Lane and related assessment issues.


On day 20 of the Leeds trolleybus enquiry, June 06 2014, Mr Bill McKinnon picks up the cross examination of Mr Philip Ward on Heritage matters around Woodhouse Moor and is followed by Ms Dawn Carey Jones on Hyde Park corner.


In the final session of day 20 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 06 2014, Ms Dawn Carey Jones completes her examination of Mr Philip Ward on Heritage matters around Hyde Park Corner, and is followed by Mr Walton for the Applicant who re-examines on some points he picks up from the week.


Day 19: 05.06.14


In the first morning session of day 19 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 05 2014, Mrs Helen Pickering continues with her cross examination of Mr Philip Ward, focussing on the assessment of cumulative impacts along the several conservation areas which would be affected by NGT and following this with questions about the archaeological surveys which have been limited to desk based assessment and have not involved any actual examinations on the ground.


In the late morning session of day 19 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 05 2014 the cross examination of Mr Philip Ward, head of the Conservation department at Leeds City Council is continued, first by Doug Kemp for West Park Residents' Association on visual impacts in the West Park Conservation Area, and then he is followed by Mr Ian Barraclough for the residents of Headingley Castle on the impact that the trolleybus would have on the its beautiful parkland setting of this Grade 2 listed building.


In the early afternoon session of day 19 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, June 05 2014, Claire Randall takes the seat to cross examine Mr Philip Ward of LCC Conservation Dept on a number of aspects of the whole site along the wall up Headingley Lane to Headingley Hill, follows this with examination of whether he could support his statement of an aging tree stock then asks to what degree the heritage should acknowledge the value to local culture of such important former local residents as JRR Tolkien and extends this into an examination of whether the Heritage methodology acknowledges the concept of the spiritual value of nature and trees as understood in cultural anthropology of many diverse sources from animistic pagan to mainstream religions.


In the late afternoon session of day 19 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 05 2014, Mr Sean Flesher, LCC Chief Parks and Countryside Officer is introduced to the Enquiry and Mr Walton for the Applicant takes him through his evidence and is then followed by Gregory Jones QC who cross examines on the loss of playing fields and public amenity.  The final portion of the session is contributed by Chris Foren of the A660 Joint Council who begins his cross examination by examining the loss of green space that would be incurred if a trolleybus route were to go across Headingley Meadows and questions the suggestion that a new 'pocket park' between trolleybus and main road would be an improvement to public amenity and suggests that it is more bureaucratic doublespeak which seeks to turn a detriment into a gain through sleight of hand.

Day 18: 04.06.14
Early morning
On the morning of day 18 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 04 2014, Gregory Jones QC resumes his cross examination of Mr Philip Ward, leader of the Conservation team at Leeds City Council on Heritage matters, which is the subject of this week's Enquiry.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 18 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Gregory Jones QC completes his cross examination of Mr Philip Ward witness for Leeds City Council on Heritage matters.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 18 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 04 2014, Helen Pickering, for the Drummonds' and Churchwoods' Residents' Association cross examines Mr Philip Ward of Leeds City Council Conservation team on Heritage matters which concern the communities along the consecutive heritage areas that are strung along the A660 from the University to the Outer Ring Road, also highlighting particular issues around the area of St Chad's Church in Far Headingley.

Late afternoon
In the late afternoon session of day 18 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 04 2014, Helen Pickering for the Drummonds' and Churchwoods' Residents' Association continues to cross examine Mr Philip Ward of LCC Conservation Department on Heritage matters and then hands over to Mr Tony Ray, retired town planner while some documents are being prepared which will be returned to tomorrow.
Day 17: 03.06.14
[NB. These file names show the incorrect Day Number]

Early morning
In the first morning session of day 17 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 03 2014, Mr Philip Ward, witness for Heritage matters presents his evidence with the assistance of Mr Walton for the Applicant, and is then cross examined by Gregory Jones QC for First West Yorkshire on the methodology used in the assessment of the heritage assets which would be affected.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 17 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 03 2014, Mr Philip Ward continues to be cross examined by Gregory Jones QC, covering details of what exactly the curtilage of Rose Court mansion extends to and how the gate piers would be affected by being moved up to five meters as is proposed.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 17 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 03 2014, Gregory Jones QC continues to cross examine Mr Philip Ward on details of the impact of the NGT trolleybuses and their cable fixings on buildings in Millennium Square such as the Museum and others.

Late afternoon
In the late afternoon session of day 17 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, June 03 2014, Gregory Jones QC continues to press Mr Philip Ward on heritage matters such as the effect of cumulative changes, the impact of wires on visual appearance of listed buildings, whether recording is sufficient mitigation to balance destruction and whether the building of a replica of a listed structure can really be called 'relocation'.
Day 16: 23.05.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of day 16 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 23 2014, the cross examination of Mr John Henkel, acting Director of the WY Combined Authority for transport (formerly Metro) is continued by Dr John Dickinson, of the North West Leeds Transport Forum, who asks questions around the capitalisation costs and risks of NGT. He is followed by Mr Chris Longley of the Federation of Small Businesses who subjects the business case to some analysis, then by Mr Bill McKinnon for the A660 Joint Council who looks at strategic issues and lastly Mr George Geapin, a private objector.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 16 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, May 23 2014, Neil Cameron QC completes the examination of Mr John Henkel of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for transport (formerly Metro). This session finished at about twenty minutes past midday and the Enquiry was adjourned early since there is now to be a week's break for Bank Holiday and half term and the Inspector felt that it would not be helpful for the Enquiry to call the next witness for one session alone as their evidence is on an entirely different subject.

The day finished at lunchtime. The Public Enquiry resumes on Tuesday June 3rd at 10 am.
Day 15: 22.05.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of day 15 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 15 2014, Gregory Jones QC continues to examine John Henkel, acting Director of the West Yorkshire Combined Transport Authority (formerly Metro) who is responsible for operational factors with respect to the NGT system.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 15 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 22 2014, Gregory Jones QC continues to cross examine Mr John Henkel of the West Yorks Combined Transport Authority about operational matters which relate to both NGT and First Bus.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 15 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, May 22 2014, Gregory Jones QC continues to cross examine Mr John Henkel, acting Director of the West Yorkshire Combined Transport Authority on behalf of First West Yorkshire, his client, and suggests that the Applicant had made serious allegations against his client which were untrue (to use Mr Jones words).

Late afternoon
In the late afternoon session of day 15 of the Leeds Trolleybus Public Enquiry, May 22 2014, Gregory Jones QC continues to cross examine Mr John Henkel, acting Director of the West Yorkshire Combined Transport Authority on behalf of First West Yorkshire, his client, and demonstrates that no meaningful engagement had been made by Metro towards First West Yorkshire despite knowing about First's Objection and new transport proposals, although suggestions had been made by the Applicant to the contrary.  Professor Peter Bonsall follows working around transport as a system which needs to be viewed holistically while NGT works against that.

Day 14: 21.05.14
Early morning
The first morning session of day 14 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 21 2014. Mr John Henkel, acting director general of Metro takes the stand as a witness for NGT. Neil Cameron examines on behalf of the Applicant NGT.

Late morning
The late morning session of day 14 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 21 2014. Mr John Henkel, acting director general of Metro continues as a witness for NGT. Cllr Barry Anderson (C. Adel) cross examines.

Early afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 14 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 21, 2014, the cross examination of Mr John Henkel, Acting Director of West Yorkshire Combined Transport Authority continues from Mr Malcolm Bell, Mechanical Engineer.

Late afternoon
In the final afternoon session of day 14, May 21 2014, Gregory Jones QC cross examines John Henkel, Acting Director of the new West Yorkshire Combined Transport Authority on the legal advice that has been taken by NGT and how this has affected their consultations, amongst other matters.

Day 13: 20.05.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of day 13 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 20 2014, Mr Bill McKinnon of Friends of Woodhouse Moor and North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association continues his cross examination of Highways Engineer Mr Jason Smith on important details of the proposed NGT route on issues of shared space and the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Standard 2013 relevant to the proposed NGT trolleybus scheme.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 13 of the Leeds trolleybus Public Enquiry, May 20 2014, Bill McKinnon of Friends of Woodhouse Moor and North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association cross examines Jason Smith, Highways Engineer on shared space and future proofing of the proposed system.

Early Afternoon
In the early afternoon session of day 13 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 20 2014, Gregory Jones QC for the Leeds College of Art continues his cross examination of Jason Smith, Highways Engineer with regard to, among other concerns, factors of safety, capacity and flow speed which would affect the College and the roads approaching it in the vicinity including Woodhouse Lane and Blenheim Walk.

Late Afternoon
In the final session of day 13 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 20 2014, Mr Jason Smith faces his last cross examination, this time from Neil Cameron QC who returns to a number of points from the last few days.

Day 12: 19.05.14
Early afternoon
In the first part of the extra afternoon sitting which took place on day 12 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 19 2014, Bill McKinnon of The Friends of Woodhouse Moor and North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association cross examines Jason Smith, Highways Engineer on many details of the Highways work associate with the NGT trolleybus scheme.

Late afternoon
In the late afternoon session of day 12 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, Bill McKinnon, of The Friends of Woodhouse Moor and North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association continues his cross examination of Jason Smith, Highways Engineer, concentrating on issues including the regulations concerning trolleybuses and areas which may be 'pedestrian dominated' rather than actually pedestrianised.

Day 11: 16.05.14
Early morning
In the first morning session of day 11 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 16 2014, Mr Jason Smith, Highways Engineer is questioned by Deborah Fahey from the Whitfield Avenue area of Hunslet, a pedestrian precinct which NGT plan to penetrate with a trolleybus route section.

Late morning
In the late morning session of day 11 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 16 2014, Chris Foren, Chair of the A660 Joint Council, cross examines highways engineer Jason Smith for NGT on detailed aspects of road design, with especial emphasis on safety for bicycle users.

 Afternoon Session
 In the final session of day 11 of the Leeds Trolleybus Enquiry, May 16 2014, Gregory Jones QC returns to cross examine Mr Jason Smith Highways Engineer Designer for NGT, the Applicant for the Transport Works Order, covering much ground, and exploring the limitations of the NGT system in comparison to conventional buses.

Day 10: 15.05.14
Early morning
The cross examination of highways engineer Jason Smith is continued by Chris Longley of the Federation of Small Businesses, who is followed by Cllr Barry Anderson (C. Adel) and Helen Pickering of the Drummonds and Churchwoods Residents Association.

Late morning
The cross examination of Jason Smith, highways engineer, continues with Helen Pickering of the Drummonds and Churchwoods Residents Association, who is followed by Michael Broadbent, formerly of the West Yorkshire Police, with former responsibility for traffic management. The questions include impacts on residents, local traffic flow and parking issues.

Early Afternoon
The cross examination of Mr Jason Smith, Highways Engineer, is continued by a number of objectors and groups: Ian Broadbent for Headingley Castle Residents, Doug Kemp for NW Leeds Transport Forum, Martin Fitzsimons from Belle Isle, Martyn Thomas for Weetwood Residents Assoc, Stuart Natkus Chartered Town Planner for Barton Willmore representing Morley House Trust and others.

 Late Afternoon
The cross examination of Mr Jason Smith, Highways Engineer, is continued by Stuart Natkus for Morley House Trust on behalf of Leeds Girls High School and other objectors, who is followed by Doug Kemp for the West Park Residents' Association.

Day 9: 14.05.14
Early morning
Mr Gordon Robertson, who is responsible for traffic management in the NGT proposals, explains how this is expected to work. Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) are examined by Mr Walton for the Applicant.

Late morning
the cross examination of Mr Gordon Robertson, Signals Engineer, continues with questions from Dr John Dickinson for Weetwood Residents' Association, Cllr Barry Anderson (C., Adel) and Douglas Kemp, Chair of West Park Residents' Association, focusing on effects on pedestrians, emergency services and flows at new junctions among other technical road issues.

Early Afternoon Part 1
The final part of Mr Gordon Robertson's cross examination.

Early Afternoon Part 2
Mr Jason Smith begins his time as a witness by explaining engineering requirements and is questioned by Mr Neil Cameron QC on these matters.

Late Afternoon
Mr Jason Smith continues to be questioned on engineering requirements by Mr Neil Cameron QC on these matters. Following this, Chris Longley of the Federation of Small Businesses and who has experience of the Sheffield Supertram begins his cross examination with questions on serious engineering detail.

Day 8: 13.05.14
Early morning
Mr Gordon Robertson, who is responsible for traffic management in the NGT proposals, explains how this is expected to work. Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) are examined by Mr Walton for the Applicant.

Late morning
Gregory Jones QC cross examines Gordon Robertson of NGT on the traffic modelling for the trolleybus scheme.

Early Afternoon
Gregory Jones QC cross examines Gordon Robertson of NGT on the matter of traffic flows, and Chris Longley of the Federation of Small Businesses follows with a short series of technical questions.

Late Afternoon
Emeritus Professor Peter Bonsall cross examines Mr Gordon Robertson, Traffic Signals Engineer for Leeds City Council and subjects the detail of the altered junctions and traffic modelling to detailed scrutiny.

Day 7: 09.05.14

Links to audio from all today's sessions:

Early morning
Doug Kemp of West Park Residents' Association and Chris Foren, Chair of the A660 Joint Council cross examine Dave Haskins, Project Director for NGT. Subjects covered include consultation and cycling provision.

Late morning
Malcolm Bell, qualified mechanical engineer, cross examines Dave Haskins, covering a number of technical issues. After that Claire Randall asks Dave Haskins questions on the subject of the clarity and fairness of the visual graphic presentations given at public consultations. (Unfortunately a power supply issue means the last few minutes of the session aren't recorded).

Afternoon
Neil Cameron QC, for the Applicant, returns to examine Dave Haskins at the end of his long stand as witness, and takes the opportunity to pick up some rebuttals and loose ends left from the hostile examinations of the many objectors who have cross examined him.

Day 6: 08.05.14
Early morning
Mr Haig, retired chartered engineer, and Chris Longley of the Federation of Small Businesses cross examine Dave Haskins, Project Director for NGT. A number of technical issues are covered.

Late morning
Cllr Barry Anderson (Con. Adel) and Dr John Dickinson of the North West Leeds Transport Forum cross examine Dave Haskins and cover a large number of local and technical issues.

Early Afternoon
Professor Emeritus of Transport Studies Peter Bonsall begins his questioning, focusing among other matters on issues such as the reduction in Benefit to Cost Ratio (BCR) which has fallen since it was first assessed some years ago, and the quality of the consultations which took place before decisions were made to go ahead with a trolleybus system.

Late Afternoon Session Part 1
Peter Bonsall continues to cross examines Dave Haskins. A main part of the questioning develops the major subject of the consultations, or lack of them.

Late Afternoon Session Part 2
Dawn Carey Jones, Secretary of the A660 Joint Council of Community Associations from along the A660, cross examines Dave Haskins. Again the matter of the consultations which took place in the planning stages comes under close scrutiny.
Day 5: 07.05.14

Links to audio from all today's sessions where Gregory Jones QC continues to cross examine Dave Haskins, Project Director for NGT:

Early morning
Gregory Jones QC resumes his questioning of Dave Haskins, Project Director of NGT

Late morning
Gregory Jones QC continues his cross examination of Dave Haskins, focussing his examination particularly on comparisons with trolleybus systems in Europe.

Early Afternoon
Gregory Jones QC continues his cross examination of Dave Haskins, beginning to analyse the public consultation process which NGT engaged in.

Late Afternoon
Gregory Jones QC continues to question Dave Haskins on the consultations that were made by NGT in the lead up to the choice to go ahead with a trolleybus system and discovers that no direct consultations were made with First Bus concerning the route.
Day 4: 02.05.14
Early morning
Dave Haskins, Project Director of NGT, gives his statement and is then led through his evidence by Neil Cameron QC for the Applicant

Late morning
Neil Cameron QC continues and completes leading Dave Haskins, Project Director of NGT, through his evidence

Afternoon
Here Gregory Jones QC cross examines Dave Haskins, Project Director for NGT

Day 3: 01.05.14
Early morning
Martin Farrington, Chief Development Officer for Leeds City Council continues to be cross-examined by both private objector Malcolm Bell and also Councillor Barry Anderson (C) of Adel, who raise many pertinent questions, many of which Mr Farrington seems unable to answer.

Late morning
Gregory Jones QC returns to cross examine Martin Farrington for Leeds College of Art, and is followed by private objector Nigel Sleeman who also cross examines Mr Farrington.

Early afternoon
Chris Foren, Chair of the A660 Joint Council of community groups from along the A660 cross examines Martin Farrington.

Late afternoon
Chris Foren, Chair of the A660 Joint Council concludes his cross examination of Martin Farrington, Senior Development Officer for Leeds City Council and one of the foremost proponents of the NGT trolleybus scheme and is then followed by Neil Cameron QC for the Applicant who has a final chance with Mr Farrington in which he tries to straighten out the case after nearly two days of cross examination by hostile parties.

Day 2: 30.04.14
First Session Wednesday 30.4.14
Mr Jones QC for First West Yorkshire cross examines Martin Farrington who is senior development officer for Leeds City Council and who was involved with the NGT planning proposal for LCC.

Late Morning Session
Mr Jones QC, for First West Yorkshire, continues his cross examination of Martin Farrington, development officer for Leeds City Council.

Early afternoon Wednesday 30.4.14
Mr Jones QC continues to cross examine Martin Farrington, senior development officer for Leeds City Council.

Late afternoon
The cross examination of Martin Farrington, senior development officer for Leeds City Council moves first to a short session from a private objector and then to the North West Leeds Transport Forum.

Day 1: 29.04.14

Opening Session
This mostly covers the procedure for the coming weeks and doesn't get onto the evidence or cases, but is essential to really understand how all this will work. The Public Inspector is Mr Martin Whitehead who directs the proceedings which were held at the Regus office building on Wellington Place in the city centre.

Late Morning Session
Starting with a few preliminary matters raised by Chris Foren, the Chair of the A660 Joint Council, concerning the disclosure of the feedback from the Public Consultation events of 2012/3 we then move on to the first statement of case from NGT Metro Counsel, Mr Neil Cameron which takes up most of this midday session.

Afternoon Session
Most of this session is taken up with cross examination of a witness for the applicants, Mr Martin Farrington who is senior development officer with Leeds City Council.