Chamber and committees

A range of preparatory work has been undertaken during the development of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Similar to other trunk road projects this has included scheme development, environmental impact assessment, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, publication of statutory documentation, topographical surveys, ground investigations and acquisition of property by voluntary agreement.

The cost of preparatory work undertaken up to the end of June 2009, including acquisition of property by voluntary agreement, is approximately £80 million.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26010 on 13 August 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

All work has been authorised by the Scottish Government and its partners Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council.

As with other trunk road projects preparation and survey work, which provides essential data required prior to construction work, continues throughout the development of a scheme in order to ensure scheme preparation is kept on schedule in the event Scottish ministers decide to proceed with the scheme following consideration of the public local inquiry reporters report.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26037 on 13 August 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The cost was established. The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report contained a cost estimate of £347 million at Quarter 4 2003 rates. This was the cost estimate that was used to allow like for like comparison of alternatives at the public local inquiry. A copy of the Stage 3 Scheme Assessment Report is available from the inquiry website at:

http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS064.PDF.

To date, the Scottish ministers have complied with the provisions and requirements of the European Habitats Directive.

The Habitats Directive was implemented in the UK by the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 as amended. Regulation 48(1) and (2) make it clear that the point at which the competent authority requires to make an appropriate assessment, if necessary, is before deciding to undertake or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for a project. It is clear from Regulation 48(2) that it is as part of the statutory consent process that this procedure must be followed through.

The Scottish ministers have not yet taken a decision to proceed with the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Such a decision will only be taken following consideration of the reporters'' report, based upon the evidence heard during the public local inquiry.

As a decision has not yet been taken whether to proceed, the competent authority has not yet carried out the appropriate assessment in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. However, the advice of Scottish Natural Heritage, who are the statutory nature conservation advisor to the Scottish Government, indicated that, on the basis of the information provided and appraisal carried out to date, that if the proposals are undertaken strictly in accordance with specified conditions, the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will not adversely affect the integrity of the River Dee SAC (Special Area of Conservation). The advice provided by Scottish Natural Heritage was lodged as a document during the public local inquiry, a copy of which is available at:

 http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS189.PDF.

Transport Scotland''s consultants have prepared a report to inform an appropriate assessment (RIAA) of the impacts of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on the River Dee SAC. The approach taken to completion of the RIAA was set out in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage. A copy of the RIAA is available from the inquiry website at:

 http://www.awpr-pli.org/document_library.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Documents%5CTransport+Scotland+Documents%5C&file=TS081.

The Habitats Directive was implemented in the UK by the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 as amended. Regulation 48(1) and (2) make it clear that the point at which the competent authority requires to make an appropriate assessment, if necessary, is before deciding to undertake or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for a project. It is clear from Regulation 48(2) that it is as part of the statutory consent process that this procedure must be followed through.

In terms of Article (6)(3) of the Habitats Directive, the principal issue to be considered in the appropriate assessment is whether or not the project in question will adversely affect the integrity of the site. Only if a negative conclusion is reached in relation to that test, or there is uncertainty as to whether or not there would be an adverse effect on the integrity of the site, is it necessary to proceed to the considerations in Article 6(4). It is in that context that guidance from the European Commission suggests that it is necessary to consider whether the option put forward for approval is the least damaging for habitats, species and the integrity of the site and that no other feasible alternative exists that would not affect the integrity of the site.

Transport Scotland''s consultants have prepared a report to inform an appropriate assessment (RIAA) of the impacts of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on the River Dee Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The approach taken to completion of the RIAA was set out in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage. A copy of the RIAA is available from the inquiry website at:

http://www.awpr-pli.org/document_library.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Documents%5CTransport+Scotland+Documents%5C&file=TS081.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S3W-26006 on 13 June 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26001 on 13 August 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.