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

Title of proposal	Acquisition of new build properties in Scarborough and Norton for use as affordable rented accommodation to take into the Housing Revenue Account
Brief description of proposal	Acquire nineteen units for temporary accommodation and general needs housing. It will both meet the need to reduce the use of high cost B & B accommodation and provide affordable housing for households in housing need
Directorate	Community Development
Service area	Housing
Lead officer	John Burroughs
Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment	James Tuck: Housing Delivery Officer
Date impact assessment started	04/03/2025

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.

Acquiring properties from developers is a component of the delivery of NYC’s HRA business plan to provide 500 new council homes and the temporary accommodation business case to acquire 90 units of temporary accommodation.

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 decision to purchase these properties presents a financial saving for NYC, as people can be housed in council own property, rather than NYC paying for temporary accommodation.

How will this proposal impact on the environment? N.B. There may be short term negative impact and longer term positive impact. Please include all potential impacts over the lifetime of a project and provide an explanation.		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.	Explain how you plan to improve any positive outcomes as far as possible.
Minimise greenhouse gas emissions e.g. reducing emissions from travel, increasing energy efficiencies etc.	Emissions from travel			X	During construction there may be an increase in travel because officers may be required to visit the site.	Journeys will be planned and car sharing will be encouraged.
	Emissions from construction			X	During construction emissions will be emitted by the private developer.
	Emissions from running of buildings			X	When the accommodation is occupied, there will be an increase in emissions.	Properties have been built to EPC B, ensuring energy efficiency.
	Emissions from data storage		X
	Other
Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic			X
Reduce water consumption			X
Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)			X
Ensure resilience to the effects of climate change e.g. reducing flood risk, mitigating effects of drier, hotter summers			X
Enhance conservation and wildlife			X
Safeguard the distinctive characteristics, features and special qualities of North Yorkshire’s landscape			X
Other (please state below)

Are there any recognised good practice environmental standards in relation to this proposal? If so, please detail how this proposal meets those standards.

Properties will be built in line with future homes standard and to EPC B.

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.

Although the proposal to acquire 19 new build properties across two sites are being developed by private developers, the acquisition of these properties will have an increase on greenhouse gas emissions because they will be occupied. The properties will be built to an EPC B, which is in line with NYC’s long term ambition to increase EPC ratings across council houses to EPC C. This demonstrates a future proof decision, and the properties will be built to future homes standards.

Sign off section

This climate change impact assessment was completed by:

Name	Hannah Nutsey
Job title	Climate Change Business Partner
Service area	Climate change
Directorate	Environment
Signature	H. Nutsey
Completion date	04/03/2025

Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature): Andrew Rowe

Date: 4 March 2025