APPENDIX 7
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 by North Yorkshire Council to change the age range at Boroughbridge High School by ceasing the Sixth Form Provision |
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Directorate |
Children and Young Peoples’ Service |
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Service area |
Strategic Planning |
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Lead officer |
John Lee |
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Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment |
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Date impact assessment started |
19/1/24 |
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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 sixth form at 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 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 sixth form 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?
Under Local Management of Schools, schools are responsible for their own budgets. It is for heads and governors to determine at school or federation level how to optimise the use of resources and maximise value for money.
As there are currently no pupils in the sixth form at Boroughbridge High School there would be no immediate transportation costs. Any pupils living in the current Boroughbridge High catchment area applying for post 16 places would be assessed under the Council’s Post 16 Transport Policy Statement at the appropriate time. As such future transport costs cannot be estimated. |
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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 and student preference and behaviour plays a large role in the level of emissions from travel. For example, the local authority can maintain a sixth form provision in one school but the popularity of a neighbouring provider 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 or students may choose to drive 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 the sixth form at Boroughbridge High School there are currently no students on roll and it is to be presumed that most of the students in catchment are now making vehicular journeys to neighbouring post 16 providers. Closing the sixth form may result in learners travelling further to access post 16 provision. |
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.
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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.
Boroughbridge High School is providing a free minibus to King James School at the beginning and end of the school day so that sixth form students can, if they wish, travel initially to Boroughbridge High School, which will help minimise individual car journeys. |
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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 |
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X |
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The school would continue to run their 11-16 education provision across the whole of the existing site and its buildings. |
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Emissions from data storage |
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X |
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N/A |
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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 |
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Reduce water consumption |
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X |
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The school would continue to run their 11-16 education provision across the whole of the existing site and its buildings. |
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Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)
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X |
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The school would continue to run their 11-16 education provision across the whole of the existing site and its buildings. |
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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 some negative environmental impacts. There is likely to be a negative impact associated with some increased use of vehicles to transport the students to and from other post 16 providers. Ultimately there is an overriding consideration in this proposal to provide the best outcome for the education of students in the local area and no other educationally sustainable option has been identified.
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Sign off section
This climate change impact assessment was completed by: John Lee
Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature):
Date: |