Acquisition of Land Act (Exchange Land Certificate) Application

Click here for Acquisition of Land Act (Exchange Land Certificate) Statement of Case documents

Transport and Works Act Order

Click here the TWAO application documents relevant to the re-opened NET Phase Two Public Inquiry (due to commence on 9th October 2008)

Click here to view TWAO application documents

Click here to view Statement of Case documents

Click here to view Statement of Case documents served by Objectors and others on the Promoters

Click here to view Applicant’s Proofs of Evidence documents

Click here for information about the NET Phase Two Public Inquiry (6th November – 21st December 2007)

About the TWAO process
What does it all mean?
Does the Order include planning permission, listed buildings consent
How long does the TWA process take altogether?
What is a Public Inquiry?
Why does the procedure appear to be so complicated?
How do I make my views known?
Next steps and current timetable

What does it all mean?
Currently the two Councils along with engineering, environmental, and parliamentary consultants have developed an application for a TWAO. These documents were published on Thursday April 26th 2007 when the TWAO application was submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport for consideration. A full list of these documents is available on this website.

Does the Order include planning permission, listed buildings consent and conservation area consent?
No. A TWAO does not itself grant permission, but you can apply for them at the same time. NET will be applying for all of these where it is necessary for the project.

How long does the TWA process take altogether?
This depends on how complicated the proposed order is, how many people object to it and whether a Public Inquiry is held. In the case of NET Phase Two, we are applying for joint powers to build the two lines together and we are having a Public Inquiry which started on Tuesday November 6th 2007. The length of the Inquiry itself may depend on how many objections there are, how many people want to speak and how complicated the issue are.

What is a Public Inquiry?
A Public Inquiry is where all the case will be read and evidence given. It is as it states a public meeting that anyone can attend, and where any member of the public who feels they have an objection or point to make can do so formerly and within a structured environment. All cases must be submitted before the Inquiry is held and you must be willing to give evidence and be cross examined by the Inspector.

Why does the procedure appear to be so complicated?
It may appear complicated, but it is designed to be fair to applicants and to objectors by giving everyone a full opportunity to have their say. The overall aim of the system is to make sure that the Secretary of State can come to an open, fair and un-biased decision which takes into account all the relevant issues.

How do I make my views known?
The notices of the application informed stakeholders that any objections, or other comments or representations, needed to be sent to the Secretary of State for Transport by Thursday 7th June 2007. All objections, representations etc. needed to be in writing.

Next steps and current timetable
The TWAO application has now been submitted to Government. The Public Inquiry started on Tuesday November 6th 2007. This Inquiry will determine the outcome of the TWAO application. If successful, the funding statement would then be resubmitted, following the procurement of contractors. Work could then possibly start in 2010 with trams running in 2013.