§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has submitted to Aylesbury Vale district council under regulation 48(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994 about his plans to redevelop the Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton. [124243]
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§ Mr. CaplinFull consultation with the relevant authorities has identified no European designated sites within two km of the Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton. It is therefore not considered necessary for Aylesbury Vale district council, as the competent authority, to undertake an appropriate assessment as outlined under Regulation 48(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994.
Bats are a European protected species. A full bat survey and comprehensive mitigation strategy will be submitted to Aylesbury Vale district council and English Nature for their consideration in due course.
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact on plans to redevelop the Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton, of the discovery that bats are roosting in the hospital building. [124245]
§ Mr. CaplinDefence Estates has commissioned a detailed bat survey at Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton, to determine the location of roosting bats, identify species type, estimate population size and provide recommendations for their protection with respect to the potential redevelopment of the hospital site. This survey is currently being undertaken by WSP Environmental, licensed bat ecologists, in consultation with relevant officers at Aylesbury Vale district council and English Nature. There should be no delay to the disposal as this work can run concurrently with the outline planning application.