HC Deb 06 February 1989 vol 146 cc531-2W
Mrs. Rosie Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria are used in the evaluation for COBA of public open space to be acquired for road schemes.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

In addition to the DV's valuation in COBA, the manual of environmental appraisal requires the appraisal framework to include full reference to any public open space taken by a road scheme, and the effect on those who use it.

The Department is required to provide replacement public open space, of satisfactory quality, for any taken for road schemes. The cost of this is also included in the COBA appraisal.

The Department accepts the independent valuation of the district valuer for all land and property costs used in the assessment of road schemes.