Climate change impact assessment for Knaresborough Land Train
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 |
Feasibility Study for Knaresborough Land Train |
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Brief description of proposal |
To seek approval from the Area Constituency Committee Members to agree to spend £14,988 of the Economic, Regeneration, Tourism and Transport Project Development Fund to undertake a feasibility study for the provision of land train that will benefit local community and visitors alike. The proposed land train will run for a period of one week to assess suitability of introducing a regular service in the future. |
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Directorate |
Community Development |
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Service area |
Economic Development and Regeneration |
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Lead officer |
Marcin Dane |
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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 |
27/08/2024 |
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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 aim of this project is to undertake a feasibility study for the provision of a land train operation that will benefit the local community and visitors alike. The proposed train will run for a period of one week (including a weekend) to assess suitability of introducing a regular service.
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What impact will this proposal have on council budgets? Will it be cost neutral, have increased cost or reduce costs?
Please explain briefly why this will be the result, detailing estimated savings or costs where this is possible.
The proposal will be neutral to council’s budget as it will be delivered by Knaresborough Town Council.
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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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The project will provide an initial feasibility study into introducing a regular land train service in Knaresborough available for residents and visitors. While the test phase (running for a maximum of one week) will have a minimal positive impact, it is expected that the introduction of regular service will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from reducing travel by private cars. |
N/A |
A regular service will be promoted for residents and tourists to reduce car usage in town centre. |
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Emissions from construction |
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x |
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Emissions from running of buildings |
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x |
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Emissions from data storage |
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x |
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Other |
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x |
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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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Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)
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x |
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The project will provide an initial feasibility study into introducing a regular land train service in Knaresborough available for residents and visitors. While the test phase (running for a maximum of one week) will have a minimal positive impact, it is expected that the introduction of regular service will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from reducing travel by private cars. |
N/A |
A regular service will be promoted for residents and tourists to reduce car usage in town centre. |
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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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Enhance conservation and wildlife
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x |
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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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Other (please state below)
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x |
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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 in the feasibility study stage. This feasibility study will lay the groundwork for a potential future project involving the regular operation of a land train in Knaresborough. The refurbished second-hand land train proposed to be trialled in Knaresborough is available for purchase, and the road test would therefore be able to confirm its suitability.
If successful, funds would subsequently be raised to purchase the land train, convert it to electric and then operate it. The project would lead to increased tourism, improved local transportation options, and enhanced economic activity in the area.
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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.
The project will decrease emission of greenhouse gases through reduction of traffic and provision of more sustainable travel options when fully implemented. The feasibility study will allow to assess the potential long term operational impact of the land train. The feasibility study will have a minimal positive impact on air quality and air pollution.
A climate change impact assessment will be updated if the project progresses to the operational phase to maximise all positive impacts.
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Sign off section
This climate change impact assessment was completed by:
Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature):
Date:
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