Ms Jennifer JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce an environmental impact appraisal system to assess the damage to trees on streets caused by(a) utility trenching, (b) roadworks, and (c) traffic disruption. [14726]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have no plans to introduce a general requirement for environmental appraisal in relation to street trees. However, in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (85/337/EEC), certain projects undertaken by utilities and highway authorities require such assessment where they are judged likely to have significant effects on the environment. In such cases, the developer must provide an Environmental Statement which includes, amongst other things, a description of any likely significant effects on trees and other flora.