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 |
Endorsement of White Rose Forest Strategic Plan (2025-2050) |
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Brief description of proposal |
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Directorate |
Environment |
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Service area |
Parks & Grounds |
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Lead officer |
Jon Clubb – Head of Parks & Grounds |
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Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment |
Helen Arnold – Tree & Woodland Manager |
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Date impact assessment started |
23 October 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.
The option to not endorse the White Rose Strategic Plan (2025-2050) was considered. It is recommended that this option is rejected as by endorsing the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan (2025-50), North Yorkshire Council will be demonstrating our support for the White Rose Forest partnership and the long-term direction and level of ambition of its Strategic Plan.
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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 White Rose Forest partnership can deliver significant financial benefits, enabling the council to access external funding to deliver local priorities, reducing the burden on resources. For example, in 2023/24 and 2024/25 the council was allocated £55,527 and £103,484 respectively for tree planting on Council owned land across the county.
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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 |
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Emissions from construction |
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X |
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N/A |
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Emissions from running of buildings |
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X |
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N/A |
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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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X |
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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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X |
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N/A |
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Reduce water consumption |
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X |
For planting of standard trees it may be necessary to water them during dry spells for the first three years until the become established. |
Use of native species and those tolerant to our changing climate.
Use of hydration bags that reduce the need to visit regularly. |
Once established, the ecosystem services delivered by an established tree will far outweigh the initial environment cost of raising them, planting them and sustaining them to establishment. |
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Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)
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X |
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Trees can form a physical barrier between the population and sources of pollution as well as capturing particulates on their leaf surfaces. |
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Ensure resilience to the effects of climate change e.g. reducing flood risk, mitigating effects of drier, hotter summers |
X |
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Trees can provide for shade and cool area, particularly helpful during warm weather. Their root structures absorb water from the ground and can be helpful in reducing flood risk. |
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Enhance conservation and wildlife
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X |
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Trees provide natural habitats for a wide range of biodiversity – increasing tree cover will increase these habitats. |
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Planning tree replacements to maintain ‘green corridors’ can add value to the tree planting benefits to biodiversity. |
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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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N/A |
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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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There are standards set out by the White Rose Forest (WRF) around good practice, including bio-security by purchasing from registered nurseries, and ensuring the planting methodology ensures the best possible start for the young trees as they establish.
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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 assessment highlights the positive impact on the environment from endorsing the White Rose Forest Strategy (2025-2050). These include reducing pollution, increasing areas of shade and cooling in a warmer climate, and the creation or enhancement of habitats for biodiversity. Young trees will be planted using good practice methods to give them the best possible start in getting established.
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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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