MORE people would benefit than lose out from a land swap to accommodate a tram line, a public inquiry heard.

Inspector Robert Barker was told residents living near the strip of land in Wilford would still have only a short walk to nearby open spaces.

Nottingham City and Notts County Councils want to use the former Great Central Railway embankment for the Phase Two tram extension to Clifton via Wilford.

In return, the city council has offered Rushcliffe Borough Council a low-lying piece of agricultural land south of Silverdale next to Fairham Brook – which is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

Ian Gilder, head of planning at Environmental Resources Management Limited, yesterday spoke as a witness for the city and county councils.

He said: "For most residents there are alternative areas of open space that are closer, with associated shorter walking times, than the railway embankment.

"Some residents living close to the northern part of the railway corridor would have to walk further to use other areas of open space.

"However, the distances are small. Residents in St Austell Drive and Heathervale, for example, would have to walk between 100 and 320 metres further to use Finsbury Park Heath."

Mr Gilder said part of the embankment would also be improved and returned to use as a public pathway alongside the tramline.

"My evidence acknowledges that in terms of walking distance, the exchange land is further away from residents at the northern end of the corridor than the existing railway path," he said.

"If for some reason, existing users of the railway path do not choose to use the new path, there are easily accessible and attractive alternative open spaces.

"The exchange land will attract 'new' users from the residents of Silverdale, for whom it is very convenient, and to a lesser extent, parts of Clifton.

"In terms of extent and quality of recreational and nature conservation provision, it will more than replace the open space to be acquired permanently."

Today, opponents Environment Not Tram (ENT), chaired by Rushcliffe Coun Gordon Wheeler, are due to give evidence to the inquiry.