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Dept of the Environment

Answer

Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which consultants were employed by the Countryside Commission to advise it on the crossing of the River Avon by the proposed Salisbury Bypass; what were the terms of reference given to the consultants; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the consultants' report. [18012] Mr. Clappison: The consultants were Novell Tullett of Bristol, assisted by Christopher Taylor, who is a landscape historian and former head of the archaeological survey for the Royal Commission on historic monuments of England. The terms of reference given to the consultants were as follows: "The appointed consultants will be required to undertake the following tasks: an assessment of the character and importance of the landscape setting of Salisbury Cathedral in the Nadder and Avon Valleys, through which the proposed road runs; an assessment of the impact of the proposals on this landscape, in particular in the vicinity of the East Harnham Meadows; advise whether or not the measures proposed for landscaping will significantly ameliorate the impact of the proposal on the area and, if not, what, if any, further measures could be adopted." The consultants were also asked to advise on the impact of any alternative alignments put forward by the Highways Agency avoiding the East Harnham meadows site of special scientific interest. I have made arrangements for a copy of the consultants' report to the commission to be placed in the Library.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

18012; 291 c466-7W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Construction Consultants Countryside Commission Roads Salisbury A36 River Avon (Hampshire)