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 |
Local Authority Housing Fund |
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Brief description of proposal |
Purchase 3 x 4 bedroom properties from a private developer for the Afghan resettlement scheme, as part of the requirements of the Local Authority Housing Fund. We are required to deliver 4 x 4 bedroom properties for larger Afghan families to meet the “large resettlement” element of the scheme |
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Directorate |
Community Development |
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Service area |
Housing |
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Lead officer |
Andrew Rowe |
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Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment |
John Burroughs |
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Date impact assessment started |
23/01/2025 |
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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.
NYC have entered a Memorandum of Understanding with MHCLG and there is an opportunity to bid for extra funding from the Local Authority Housing Fund. There is a need for affordable homes in the county and this will provide accommodation to 12 households that require temporary accommodation.
The possibility to ‘do nothing’ could not be considered, and NYC is required to deliver 4 x 4 bedroom properties for larger Afghan families to meet the ‘large resettlement’ element of the scheme.
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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.
There will be on-going maintenance and management costs associated with the properties. These commitments will be met through the rental income from the properties. A financial feasibility has been undertaken to demonstrate that this is viable.
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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 |
There may be a need for officers to visit the site, although these visits will be appropriately planned and sustainable travel options will be considered where necessary. |
Whilst there will be a need for some travel when they are first let for the Council’s Refugee Resettlement Team to assist the households in moving and settling in, this should reduce after the initial period.
Housing maintenance requirements should be minimal as they are new build properties. However, we do have a housing maintenance service based in Selby, which would mean minimal transport emissions |
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Emissions from construction |
X |
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The properties are being built by a private developer. |
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We will not be creating any extra emissions as these properties will have been built anyhow by the developer |
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Emissions from running of buildings |
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X |
There will be an increase in emissions from the running of buildings but the properties will be EPC B. |
EPC B is what we would require as a minimum from new build properties. In addition, the properties will meet all current building regulations around insulation as well to minimise energy usage. Advised will also be provided to the residents on operation of the heating systems and how to use them as efficiently as possible |
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Emissions from data storage |
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N/A |
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Other |
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N/A |
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Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic |
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N/A |
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Reduce water consumption |
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N/A |
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Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)
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N/A |
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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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N/A |
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Enhance conservation and wildlife
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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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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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The properties will be EPC B, which is supportive of the housing service target to have properties that are EPC C minimum.
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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.
Overall, the acquisition of 4 homes at EPC B will increase emissions but the council are required to deliver the large resettlement element of the scheme. EPC B future proofs the decision for NYC and provides homes for larger Afghan families.
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Sign off section
This climate change impact assessment was completed by:
Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature): Andrew Rowe
Date: 23 January 2025
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