NGT Trolleybus - the impact on St Chad’s

Following last month’s article on the trolleybus scheme, I thought it would be helpful to summarise how St Chad’s PCC has responded to the proposals. The PCC has decided to focus its comments on the direct impacts on St Chad’s land. A formal objection has been sent to the Secretary of State for Transport. It addresses three main issues:

1) Trees
Four trees in front of the Parish Centre grassed area, on Leeds City Council owned land, would definitely be removed and replaced with ‘super-trees’ nearby. It is unclear whether other trees would be felled or merely pruned. The tree survey conducted on behalf of the NGT Team contains inaccuracies and leaves many questions answered. We are looking for clarity about the number of trees affected, particularly those on land owned by the Church, and we have objected to the loss of trees which help to define the landscape around St Chad’s.

2) Bus Stop and Street Alterations
On safety grounds, we objected to the loss of a right turning lane for traffic turning into the Church drive. The PCC was also unhappy about the position of the relocated bus stop, immediately to the North of the drive entrance. It was felt that this could create a physical and visual obstruction, particularly for vehicles leaving the Church drive.

3) Access to the St Chad’s Site During Construction
The plans allow for the Church drive to be closed during construction of the trolleybus scheme. We have objected to this on the grounds of the unacceptable impact this would have on the day to day running of the Church and Parish Centre, not to mention access to the Vicarage, Cricket Club and Tennis Club.

The Department of Transport has acknowledged our objection and has invited the PCC to be represented at the Public Inquiry expected to be held around May 2014. Meanwhile we await a response from the NGT Team to our specific points.

Helen Steele, on behalf of St Chad’s PCC