Climate change impact
assessment
The purpose of this assessment is to help us understand the likely impacts of our decisions on the environment of North Yorkshire and on our aspiration to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2030, or as close to that date as possible. The intention is to mitigate negative effects and identify projects which will have positive effects.
This document should be completed in consultation with the supporting guidance. The final document will be published as part of the decision making process and should be written in Plain English.
If you have any additional queries which are not covered by the guidance please email climatechange@northyorks.gov.uk
Version 2: amended 11 August 2021
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Title of proposal |
School Organisation |
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Brief description of proposal |
Proposal to Close Weaverthorpe CE VC Primary School |
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Directorate |
Children and Young Peoples’ Service |
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Service area |
Strategic Planning |
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Lead officer |
Andrew Dixon |
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Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment |
Matt George |
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Date impact assessment started |
01/03/2022 |
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Options appraisal Were any other options considered in trying to achieve the aim of this project? If so, please give brief details and explain why alternative options were not progressed.
The consultation on a proposal to close the school has only been initiated because all other options to secure a sustainable future for the school had been exhausted. The full details of the situation leading to this closure proposal and the other options that were investigated are contained with the report to executive that this document is an appendix to.
In summary no sustainable option to keep the school open alone or in partnership could be identified.
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What impact will this proposal have on council budgets? Will it be cost neutral, have increased cost or reduce costs?
As set out in the report to Executive dated 15 March, any annual savings to the Dedicated Schools Grant arising from the closure, if approved, would remain within the ring-fenced Dedicated Schools Grant as part of the funding for all schools. Any surplus revenue or capital balances would be made available to the receiving school(s) in line with the Closing School Accounting Policy.
If the school closed, the estimated transport costs for a twelve-seater vehicle to undertake the home to school transport journey between Weaverthorpe village and Luttons CP School is in the range of £30k - £38k per annum. A larger vehicle may see additional costs of approximately £50 per school day. The actual costs of the transport service would not be known until the number of children wishing to access transport on this route is confirmed, and NYCC Integrated Passenger Transport have subsequently secured an operator for the service. |
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How will this proposal impact on the environment?
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Positive impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant) |
No impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant) |
Negative impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant) |
Explain why will it have this effect and over what timescale?
Where possible/relevant please include: · Changes over and above business as usual · Evidence or measurement of effect · Figures for CO2e · Links to relevant documents |
Explain how you plan to mitigate any negative impacts.
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Explain how you plan to improve any positive outcomes as far as possible. |
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Minimise greenhouse gas emissions e.g. reducing emissions from travel, increasing energy efficiencies etc.
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Emissions from travel |
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X |
The issue of school transport is difficult to analyse as parental preference and parental behaviour plays a large role in the level of emissions from travel. For example, the local authority can maintain a school in one village but popularity of a neighbouring school can encourage car use even in scenarios where a school within walking distance is available. Similarly even for schools located within walking distance some parents may choose to drive their children to school each day. Many schools operate travel plans which encourage low carbon transport options such as walking and cycling.
In the particular case of the proposed closure of Weaverthorpe C.E School there will be a small number of pupils living in Weaverthorpe who are currently within a very short walking distance of the current school who will be eligible for transport to the next nearest school. Others who have previously walked may choose to drive to schools further afield. This is will lead to an increase in vehicular travel. |
Where possible Integrated Passenger transport will choose vehicles and routes to minimise traffic. Neighbouring schools will be encouraged and supported to develop sustainable travel plans. |
Schools will continue to encourage sustainable methods of transport where safe and possible. For example by encouraging lift sharing, walking to school as part of developing their travel plans. |
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Emissions from construction |
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X |
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N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
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Emissions from running of buildings |
X |
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The local authority would cease to operate the Weaverthorpe CE School Premises and the pupils would be accommodated at existing local establishments with no additional running costs. |
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Emissions from data storage |
X |
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The data storage for Weaverthorpe CE as a separate institution would not be required going forward. |
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Other |
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Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic |
X |
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There will be a general reduction in the use of resources of all kinds due to the current Weaverthorpe pupils being accommodated in existing establishments and Weaverthorpe’s consumption of resources ceasing. |
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Reduce water consumption |
X |
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The water consumption required to operate Weaverthorpe CE as an establishment would no longer be required and is therefore removed from the NYCC carbon footprint. |
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Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)
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X |
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The pollution created by the Weaverthorpe CE heating system would be removed from the NYCC carbon footprint. |
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Ensure resilience to the effects of climate change e.g. reducing flood risk, mitigating effects of drier, hotter summers |
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X |
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N/A |
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Enhance conservation and wildlife
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X |
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N/A |
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Safeguard the distinctive characteristics, features and special qualities of North Yorkshire’s landscape
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X |
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N/A |
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Other (please state below)
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Are there any recognised good practice environmental standards in relation to this proposal? If so, please detail how this proposal meets those standards. |
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N/A
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Summary Summarise the findings of your impact assessment, including impacts, the recommendation in relation to addressing impacts, including any legal advice, and next steps. This summary should be used as part of the report to the decision maker:
This proposal has positive and negative environmental impacts. The positive impacts will be a reduction in energy usage associated with a whole establishment and site ceasing to be used. This would include reductions in heating, lighting and water usage. However, there is likely to be a negative impact associated with some increased use of vehicles to transport the pupils to and from school. Ultimately there is an overriding consideration in this proposal to provide the best outcome for the education of children in the local area and no other educationally sustainable option has been identified.
The school site itself is owned by the Diocese of York and the Church of England has a target to make its entire estate carbon neutral by 2030 so the future of this site will form part of that aspiration.
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Sign off section
This climate change impact assessment was completed by: Matt George
Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature):
Date: 10/06/2022
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