§ Ms. CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cases of damage to wildlife sites from destruction or damage by developers subsequent to refusal of planning permission on nature conservation grounds have been brought to his attention in the years from 1989 to 1992.
§ Mr. MacleanI regret the information is not available in the form requested. Over the last two years about 24 cases have been drawn to the attention of the Department.
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§ Ms. CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the need for new powers to control wilful damage to wildlife sites of the kind occurring at Royate hill, Bristol.
§ Mr. MacleanIn the last 12 months 50 to 60 letters in support of proposals for some form of additional protection for sites of local wildlife importance have been received by the Department. The majority of these followed the unfortunate incident at Royate hill.
§ Ms. CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what powers are available to local authorities to prevent damage to wildlife sites from destruction or damage by developers subsequent to the refusal of planning permission on nature conservation grounds.
§ Mr. MacleanLocal authorities may use their powers to enter into management agreements with landowners, to declare local nature reserves and make byelaws to protect them. They may make tree preservation orders and article 4 directions to remove permitted development rights. They have a number of powers to acquire land by agreement or, where authorised, compulsorily but it is for the local authority to decide which power or powers are appropriate. Wild birds and certain species of animal and plant are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 or under specific legislation and local authorities and others have the power to prosecute offenders.