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Alternative solutions such as tunnels have been considered, both as part of scheme development and where such proposals were submitted by parties objecting to the proposed scheme. Details of these engineering solutions can be found in the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route report on the assessment of alternative proposals and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route paper on River Dee tunnels. Both of these documents were lodged as inquiry documents and are available from the public local inquiry website at .

The objectives for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are set out in a number of published documents, including those listed below.

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Project Development 2005-06 Consolidation Assessment Report:

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Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007:

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Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Interim STAG Report:

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I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26010 on 13 August 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at .

The cost of legal services was approximately £0.9 million.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26001 on 13 August 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at .

Impacts on land associated with the ground investigation in relation to the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are typically limited to disturbances associated with taking access to individual locations for the purpose of carrying out the investigation work. The arrangements for carrying out this work include for making reinstatement of any damage to land that may arise as a consequence of the work.

In addition to the consultation period following publication of draft orders, opportunities for representation were provided during the planning stages of both Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council''s Local Transport Strategies, during the planning stages of NESTRANS'' Modern Transport System (MTS), and during the public consultation exercise on alternative route corridors carried out in spring 2005.

Details of the public local inquiry into the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, including the remit, can be found on the inquiry website at .

None.

The total cost incurred was approximately £2.5 million. This excludes staff costs incurred by Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government (Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals) during the inquiry process.

Information relating to the potential impact of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on wildlife habitats, designated areas and protected species was made available in a number of reports, including those listed below.

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007:

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Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Report to Inform Appropriate Assessment for the River Dee SAC:

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Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007 Additional Survey Report: Breeding Birds:

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Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Environmental Statement 2007 Additional Survey Report: Bats:

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Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, Correspondence between Promoters and Consultees in relation to the Environmental Statement:

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The public local inquiry considered evidence in relation to the environmental aspects of the proposed scheme, including evidence in relation to matters included in the Environmental Statement produced in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999, as amended. The Scottish ministers are currently considering the public local inquiry reporters findings and recommendations prior to deciding whether or not to proceed with the scheme.