HELIOSLOUGH and the council have clashed over whether there is space for freight trains on the Midland Main Line.
Mr Reed, representing the council, put it to Mr Smith that passenger trains would be delayed by two-and-half minutes per stop, leading to waits behind red signals while semi-fast services waited for slow trains to clear the tracks in front.
The witnesss replied: “That is built on a whole series of assumptions.
“I don't agree there is a delay time of two-and-a-half minutes per stop.
“The new Thameslink trains will be able accelerate quicker.
“I don't know the delay time, and I don't know the performance and braking characteristics of the trains - nobody knows.”
His cross-examination complete, Mr Smith, questioned by the inspector, said this was the first time DB Schenken had approached a railfreight developer to get involved, a reflection on the strength of Helioslough's site.
No witnesses remain to be called, so the enquiry has adjourned until 3.30pm when the barristers will debate possible planning conditions.
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