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 |
Infilling of Whitby Cliff Lift
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Brief description of proposal |
i) To seek approval to proceed with the recommended option 3 : to decommission the lift, demolish the top building and retain the tunnel section as a storage space.
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Directorate |
Environment |
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Service area |
Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure |
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Lead officer |
John Woodhead, Northern Area Engineer |
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Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment |
Chris Bourne, Head of Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure |
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Date impact assessment started |
02/06/2025 |
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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.
Yes. All options involve construction works. If the Council does nothing the lift shaft will eventually fail and the cliff will become unusable.
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What impact will this proposal have on council budgets? Will it be cost neutral, have increased cost or reduce costs?
The capital programme will be increased as a result of this proposal.
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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 will be emissions from construction employees travelling to the cliff to carry out the works. |
Encourage shared transport. |
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Emissions from construction |
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x |
There will be emissions from construction. The effect is not known and we are unable to calculate these. |
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Works will be procured from the YORcivil Framework where contractors are scored on environmental performance KPIs based on measures taken to minimise the environmental impact of projects: |
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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 |
Waste will be produced by construction works. |
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Works will be procured from the YORcivil Framework where we aim to produce less than four tonnes of waste per £100k, of which no more than two tonnes of waste per £100k are to be sent to landfill. |
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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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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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The top station is derelict and contributes little to the conservation area. It’s demolition will enhance the conservation area. |
Demolition of the building.
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Demolish the top station to stop it detracting from the adjacent listed shelter. |
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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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See above.
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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 decision will have a climate impact, principally related to construction activities.
However the works are essential and the Council cannot avoid the climate impact by not doing the works. Impacts will be mitigated minimised as much as possible.
Some mitigation measures have already been identified above.
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Sign off section
This climate change impact assessment was completed by:
Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature): Callum McKeon
Date: 24/09/2025
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