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

Please note: You may not need to undertake this assessment if your proposal will be subject to any of the following: Planning Permission Environmental Impact Assessment Strategic Environmental Assessment However, you will still need to summarise your findings in in the summary section of the form below. Please contact climatechange@northyorks.gov.uk for advice.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Title of proposal

Harrogate and Knaresborough Active Travel updates

 

Brief description of proposal

To advise the committee of progress to date on the delivery of Active Travel schemes within Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Directorate

Environmental Services

Service area

Highways & Transportation

Lead officer

Melisa Burnham (Area Manager)

Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment

 

Date impact assessment started

20/02/25

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Not applicable

 

 

 

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 purpose of this report is to provide an update of progress, with identified timescales and project details. Budgets have been identified for those projects already in progress and it is recognised that those in development still required identified funding, likely from future bids such as Active Travel England or LTF, if available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Active travel schemes will provide a positive opportunity for the community to make ‘greener’ travel options.

No negative impacts identified.

Improved engagement with the public to support the take-up of more active travel options and to continue with the delivery of other strategic transport projects in Harrogate Town Centre. Continue to support the schools with travel planning implementation.

 

Emissions from construction

 

x

 

There is likely to be no impact.

N/A

N/A

Emissions from running of buildings

 

X

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

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

 

 

Over a longer time period by creating safer streets and supporting sustainable travel infrastructure in the immediate area will facilitate a modal shift of modes of transport.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

New signage will be required, but necessary policies will be adhered to ensuring locations are sympathetic to the area and only where legally required.

 

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.

N/A

 

 

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 purpose of this report is to provide an overarching update of Active Travel projects in Harrogate and Knaresborough. Where required individual projects will be reported for necessary legal, financial and climate change considerations.

 

 

 

 

Sign off section

 

This climate change impact assessment was completed by:

 

Name

Melisa Burnham

Job title

Area Manager

Service area

Highways and Transportation

Directorate

Environment Services

Signature

M Burnham

Completion date

20.02.25

 

Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature): Barrie Mason

 

Date: 06/03/2026