To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the planned date is for the closure of his Department's site at Epsom Road, Guildford. (138982)

The planned date for closure of the Epsom road, Guildford site is 30 December 2007.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans his Department has to ensure that its site at Epsom road, Guildford is replaced with a residential development that (a) is low or zero carbon and (b) meets high environmental standards. (138983)

The Department is conscious that any development scheme for which planning consent is submitted should comply with all available sustainable energy and environmental standards.

The Department confirms that the application for planning that is to be submitted is for residential property and as such will attract the relevant policy (SE2) within the Surrey structure plan relating to sustainable energy and the level three standard for sustainable homes as detailed by Department for Communities and Local Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions his Department and its representatives have had with Guildford borough council on placing tree protection orders on trees at the Department’s site at Epsom road, Guildford. (138984)

The Department and its agent have had extensive discussions with Guildford borough council’s Trees and Woodlands Officer. The officer is satisfied that there is no threat to the trees under the Department’s planning proposal and no Tree Preservation Orders have been made.