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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.

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 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Information on the application of Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) is provided in the STAG document, which is accessible via the Transport Scotland website at:

http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/reports/publications-and-guidance/corporate/j9760-00.htm.

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 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

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:

 http://www.awpr-pli.org/downloads/Documents/Transport%20Scotland%20Documents/TS189.PDF.

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:

 http://www.awpr-pli.org/document_library.asp?command=OpenFolder&folder=Documents%5CTransport+Scotland+Documents%5C&file=TS081.

Yes.

The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is being promoted under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 which sets out the requirements for publication of draft road orders, receipt of objections and consideration of these in the forum of a public local inquiry. 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. The final decision on approval will rest with the Scottish Parliament.

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 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Various consultations have taken place in relation to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route during which the public were invited to provide comment.

During the period when alternative corridors were under consideration, consultation took place with a wide range of statutory and non-statutory bodies, seeking comment in respect of the various alternatives identified, which included the Milltimber Brae corridor and the Fastlink as a component of the Peterculter/Stonehaven corridor.

During the public consultation held in spring 2005, the public were invited to comment in respect of the various alternatives identified, which included the Milltimber Brae corridor and the Fastlink as a component of the Peterculter/Stonehaven corridor.

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 object to the published scheme should they be so minded.

In terms of the public local inquiry, there was extensive consideration of the Milltimber Brae and Fastlink route for the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-26020 on 13 June 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.