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 Woodfield Community Primary School |
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Directorate |
Children and Young People’s 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 |
John Lee |
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Date impact assessment started |
6 June 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 of 19 July, 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, there could be a potential additional cost to the Local Authority in providing transport to other schools. All addresses within the Woodfield School catchment area would, however, still be within the statutory walking distance to either Grove Road or Bilton Grange School. Free home to school transport would be provided for entitled pupils in accordance with the revised catchment area arrangements in accordance with the County Council’s Home to School transport policy. |
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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 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 Woodfield Primary School there may be some pupils who have previously walked whose parents may choose to drive them to schools further afield. This could lead to an increase in vehicular travel. All addresses within the Woodfield School catchment area would be within the statutory walking distance to either Grove Road or Bilton Grange School. |
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 Woodfield Primary 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 Woodfield Primary School 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 Woodfield pupils being accommodated in existing establishments and Woodfield Primary School’s consumption of resources ceasing. |
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Reduce water consumption |
X |
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The water consumption required to operate Woodfield Community Primary School 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 Woodfield Community Primary School 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 ceasing to be used. This would include reductions in heating, lighting and water usage. However, there may be a negative impact associated with some increased use of vehicles to transport the pupils to and from other schools. 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 County Council which has developed a carbon reduction plan to help reach a target of net-zero neutrality for the council by 2030, or as near to that date as possible.
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Sign off section
This climate change impact assessment was completed by: John Lee
Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature): A Newbold
Date: 5/7/2022
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