A NEW inquiry into the tram extension will take place after Rushcliffe Borough Council objected to the compulsory purchase of land for it.

The council is concerned about the effect the route would have on wildlife habitats.

Part of the NET Phase Two route would run along the former Great Central Railway embankment at Wilford.

The council is also unhappy at the loss of amenity and 'social value' of the open space it has been offered in exchange.

A public inquiry into two new proposed routes, to Beeston via Chilwell and Clifton via Wilford, ended in January.

However, in a separate development, this old inquiry will be reopened to consider claims that an area planned for the Clifton Park and Ride had been designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (Sinc).

The two inquiries will be held back to back from 10am on Tuesday, October 7, at Notts County football ground inMeadow Lane.

Nottingham City Council and Notts County Council will tell the inspector they will give Rushcliffe a new wildlife reserve around Silverdale Walk.

This would feature various habitats including wet grassland, native woodland plants, wild flowers, rough grass and scrubs and scrapes. The councils say this could also be used as a leisure facility.

But Colin Bullett, deputy chief executive of Rushcliffe Borough Council, said this was not a good deal for residents. "The transfer of open space must be no less in area and must be 'equally advantageous' to the public," he said.

"The outline of our case is that the Silverdale land is not equally advantageous to our residents. It is not in Rushcliffe and not easily accessible by Rushcliffe residents, even though pathways are proposed. It is of more benefit to Silverdale residents.

"The (railway) line is used by residents for walking quietly as it has no vehicles. The proposals would mean regular disturbance as trams pass through."

He also argued that the Silverdale land did not have much biodiversity while siting the tram on the old railway line would adversely affect a "wildlife corridor" between open fields and the river.

Meanwhile Barton-in-Fabis Parish Council claims the proposed Clifton park-and-ride area is a Sinc because it is used by more than 1,550 golden plover.

Notts Biological and Geographical Record Centre has since confirmed the land has never been a Sinc and under current criteria, would not qualify.

However, Sam Blacklock, chairman of Beeston and Chilwell Business and Residents' Association, said the fact the birds' presence was not mentioned at the first inquiry, showed the councils' environmental statement was "flawed".

"The environmental study is a huge part of their argument. They are saying it will cut congestion and be good for the environment," he said. "We are arguing that where they are putting it is not good for the environment. They are trying to crowbar it through no matter where it goes. I think it is an utter disgrace."

NET development manager Chris Deas said: "We welcome the public inquiry.

"Stakeholders will be able to present their evidence to an independent inspector through an open and accountable process focused on assuring the public good of the people of Nottingham."

Interested parties who attended the initial inquiry have been contacted about its reopening and had until today to give representations to the Department for Transport.

The previous inquiry was held under law concerned with gaining powers to compulsory purchase land at the market value, as well as build and operate the tram extensions.

But the new inquiry is being held under a different piece of legislation, which also considers the social values of compulsory purchasing from a public body.

jon.robinson@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk