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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 .

The current cost estimate for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is in the range £295 million to £395 million. The estimate is based on the risks as currently identified but we will continue to monitor this in light of prevailing tender prices for road contracts. As with all schemes, the cost estimate for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will be reviewed once the statutory procedures are completed and prior to the commencement of the procurement process.

The publication of draft orders in December 2006 and September 2007 marked the start of formal statutory consultation periods in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. During the statutory consultation periods the public had the opportunity to comment in respect of the proposals, including the opportunity to comment on scheme objectives.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-24477 on 10 June 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at .

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 .

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-25996 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 .

Planning approval is a matter for the respective local authorities.

All work has been authorised by the Scottish Government and its partners Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council.

As with other trunk road projects preparation and survey work, which provides essential data required prior to construction work, continues throughout the development of a scheme in order to ensure scheme preparation is kept on schedule in the event Scottish ministers decide to proceed with the scheme following consideration of the public local inquiry reporters report.

To date, the Scottish ministers have complied with the provisions and requirements of the European Habitats Directive.

The Habitats Directive was implemented in the UK by the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 as amended. Regulation 48(1) and (2) make it clear that the point at which the competent authority requires to make an appropriate assessment, if necessary, is before deciding to undertake or give any consent, permission or other authorisation for a project. It is clear from Regulation 48(2) that it is as part of the statutory consent process that this procedure must be followed through.

The Scottish ministers have not yet taken a decision to proceed with the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. Such a decision will only be taken following consideration of the reporters'' report, based upon the evidence heard during the public local inquiry.

As a decision has not yet been taken whether to proceed, the competent authority has not yet carried out the appropriate assessment in respect of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route. However, the advice of Scottish Natural Heritage, who are the statutory nature conservation advisor to the Scottish Government, indicated that, on the basis of the information provided and appraisal carried out to date, that if the proposals are undertaken strictly in accordance with specified conditions, the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route will not adversely affect the integrity of the River Dee SAC (Special Area of Conservation). The advice provided by Scottish Natural Heritage was lodged as a document during the public local inquiry, a copy of which is available at:

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Transport Scotland''s consultants have prepared a report to inform an appropriate assessment (RIAA) of the impacts of the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route on the River Dee SAC. The approach taken to completion of the RIAA was set out in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage. A copy of the RIAA is available from the inquiry website at:

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