§ Mr. SimsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to ensure that the needs of conservation are taken into account when considering developments in river estuaries.
§ Mr. TrippierThe majority of our estuaries encompass areas that are important for nature conservation and which are protected as sites of special scientific interest. Those with the most important bird interest are either designated, or under consideration for designation, as special protection areas under the EEC birds directive. The Department's circular 27/87 advises local planning authorities to take full account of the nature conservation importance of all these areas when considering development proposals.