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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 establish a new special school provision for Autistic children aged 11-19 at the site of the former Woodfield Community Primary School, Harrogate from 1 September 2024 |
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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 |
Sue Turley/Matt George |
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Date impact assessment started |
June 2023 |
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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 Council’s current range of provision needs to be extended to cater more effectively for young people with a primary need of autism who require specialist support to maximise their potential.
In terms of a geographic location, the Council has identified a need for a location in a central area between the A1 corridor and the Ripon, Knaresborough, Harrogate area because this maximises the school’s reach across the county and locates the provision close to an area where a significant proportion of the pupil population resides.
Currently there do not appear to be any realistic alternative options available for the secondary autism provision in the preferred geographic location without seeking to access sites on the open market.
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What impact will this proposal have on council budgets? Will it be cost neutral, have increased cost or reduce costs?
There are capital costs associated with providing additional accommodation on site to complement the existing buildings and allow the proposed new special school to achieve its full capacity. Resources have been allocated in the SEND Capital Programme although Council officers are cognisant that pressures currently being experienced within the construction sector could impact upon the precise design and capacity that the Council is able to take forward.
There may be short term pre and post opening revenue costs associated with establishing new provision subject to the requirements of the Department for Education at the appropriate time. However, the introduction of local additional specialist places in the maintained sector would provide an overall saving over time to the High Needs Block through reductions on higher cost placements for children accessing education in the independent sector.
This proposal will introduce a centrally located position and will positively reduce travel distances for this cohort of learners and therefore reduce associated costs.
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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 |
X |
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This proposal is to establish a new provision for pupils with a primary need of Autism. This will provide more places in the geographical area of need. This will reduce the number of pupils needing to travel further to an appropriate placement elsewhere in the county or out of county. This should reduce overall travel distances and therefore admissions.
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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 |
There would be some emissions related to construction on this project however the works to the site would be limited. Any alternative proposal particularly those involving significant new build would cause a far higher level of emissions. |
N/A |
N/A |
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Emissions from running of buildings |
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X |
The former Woodfield site is currently not being occupied so the emissions from the maintenance of the site are currently minimal. This proposal would see a school operating from the site once more and would therefore increase emissions. |
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Emissions from data storage |
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X |
There is no data storage associated with the former Woodfield site as the site is not being occupied. This proposal would see a school operating from the site once more and would therefore increase emissions associated with data storage. |
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Other |
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Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic |
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X |
There is no significant production of waste associated with the former Woodfield site as it is currently not being occupied. This proposal would see a school operating from the site once more and would therefore cause an increase in waste. |
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Reduce water consumption |
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X |
There is no significant use of water on the former Woodfield site as it is currently not being occupied. This proposal would see a school operating from the site once more and would therefore cause an increase in water consumption. |
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Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)
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X |
There is no pollution on the former Woodfield site as it is currently not being occupied. This proposal would see a school operating from the site once more and would therefore cause a small increase in light and noise. |
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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 a number of negative impacts as set out above. These include an increase in emissions from data storage, running the buildings and construction. However, all of these are negative impacts against a baseline of ‘do nothing’. It is imperative that a sufficient number of school places are provided for pupils with a primary need of Autism within this area. This site represents a good opportunity to provide these places without causing significant emissions from construction which would be created in an alternative proposal requiring significant new build was identified. Through upgrading and reusing the existing buildings, rather than demolishing and building new, we will make also substantial energy savings because the CO₂ emissions already embodied within existing buildings would not be lost through demolition. Furthermore, by implementing this proposal it would ensure that places are available in the locality which would reduce the emissions from transport associated with pupils travelling further to access school places elsewhere.
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Sign off section
This climate change impact assessment was completed by: Matt George
Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature): Janet Carwford
Date: 10 August 2023
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