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Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Mr. Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what requirement exists for the provision of compensatory habitat where (a) maintenance and (b) improvement of sea walls takes place. [182029] Mr. Morley: Any requirement for compensatory habitat arising from the maintenance or improvement of sea walls will depend on whether there would be an adverse effect on a site designated under the European Birds or Habitats Directives. Detailed guidance on the appraisal of plans and projects which are likely to have a significant effect on such European sites and guidance under which compensatory measures are required, is provided in "Managing Natura 2000 sites": the provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/ EEC" published by the European Communities in 2000. Where the maintenance or improvement of sea walls would not have an adverse effect on a European site, there would be no requirement for compensatory measures. There is a more general requirement on Member States under the Birds Directive to "take requisite measures to preserve, maintain or re-establish a sufficient diversity and area of habitats for all the species of birds referred to in Article 1" of the Directive. Defra is currently considering what measures the Government should take in this respect as a result of coastal squeeze (i.e. loss of inter-tidal habitat through sea level rise against sea walls).

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

182029; 423 c893W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Birds Coastal areas Flood control EU law Nature conservation Repairs and maintenance Sea level

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk