Initial equality impact assessment screening form This form records an equality screening process to determine the relevance of equality to a proposal, and a decision whether or not a full EIA would be appropriate or proportionate.
Directorate	Community Development
Service area	Planning
Proposal being screened	Adoption of the Protecting Dark Skies in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Supplementary Planning Document
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Natasha Durham, Planning Manager (Policy)
What are you proposing to do?	To adopt the Protecting Dark Skies in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Supplementary Planning Document.
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	The SPD provides guidance for how the adopted Local Plan policy to protect dark skies from further light pollution should be implemented. The SPD seeks to provide information on dark skies as well as practical suggestions for how the adopted policy can met. The SPD does not introduce any new policy requirements.
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources? Please give details.	No. The SPD provides written guidance to customers.
Impact on people with any of the following protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, or NYC’s additional agreed characteristics As part of this assessment, please consider the following questions: · To what extent is this service used by particular groups of people with protected characteristics? · Does the proposal relate to functions that previous consultation has identified as important? · Do different groups have different needs or experiences in the area the proposal relates to? If for any characteristic it is considered that there is likely to be an adverse impact or you have ticked ‘Don’t know/no info available’, then a full EIA should be carried out where this is proportionate. You are advised to speak to your directorate representative for advice if you are in any doubt.
Protected characteristic		Potential for adverse impact				Don’t know/No info available
		Yes		No
Age				ü
Disability				ü
Sex				ü
Race				ü
Sexual orientation				ü
Gender reassignment				ü
Religion or belief				ü
Pregnancy or maternity				ü
Marriage or civil partnership				ü
People in rural areas				ü
People on a low income				ü
Carer (unpaid family or friend)				ü
Are from the Armed Forces Community				ü
Does the proposal relate to an area where there are known inequalities/probable impacts (for example, disabled people’s access to public transport)? Please give details.		No
Will the proposal have a significant effect on how other organisations operate? (for example, partners, funding criteria, etc.). Do any of these organisations support people with protected characteristics? Please explain why you have reached this conclusion.		No
Decision (Please tick one option)		EIA not relevant or proportionate:	ü		Continue to full EIA:
Reason for decision		Thorough Equality analysis took place alongside the development of the Adopted Harrogate Local Plan to understand the potential effects of emerging policies on people with protected characteristics and to use this information to seek to eliminate negative effects and maximise positive effects. The analysis concluded that none of the policies have an overall negative effect for individuals and groups with protected characteristics. The SPD is a guidance document and does not include any additional requirements. It is therefore concluded that EIA is not required in this circumstance.
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)		Trevor Watson
Date		26/02/2024