HC Deb 18 July 1991 vol 195 cc235-6W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps will be taken to enable planners and developers to know whether a site is sensitive to development or change in use if the sites of special scientific interest label is removed.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 9 July 1991]: Under current procedures for the denotification of a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), the Nature Conservancy Council for Scotland advises local planning authorities that a former SSSI may well retain features of wildlife, geological or physiographical importance which deserve protection. Local planning authorities are, therefore, able to identify such sites as being sensitive, within their published local and structure plans. It is expected that these arrangements will continue under Scottish Natural Heritage.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the cost of the Nature Conservancy Council review of existing sites of special scientific interest; how many sites of special scientific interest were denotified, and how many objections to sites of special scientific interest he is currently considering.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 9 July 1991]: The precise cost of reviewing existing sites of special scientific interest is not known. Since 1981, 109 sites in Scotland have been denotified, including sites first notified under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 but not re-notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. My right hon. Friend has no role in the consideration of objections to the notification of sites of special scientific interest; this is a matter for the Nature Conservancy Council for Scotland.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated average cost of reviewing the case against a single site of special scientific interest.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 9 July 1991]: It is not possible to produce an estimate as no information is available to distinguish between the costs of various stages of the site notification process including responding to objections.