Environmental/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 |
Urban Gull Strategy |
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Brief description of proposal |
• To promote and sustain a healthy population of all gull species. • To provide and sustain a clean and safe place for residents of the coastal areas. • To identify and implement suitable and sustainable measures to enable gulls and the public to successfully co-exist in the coastal areas. |
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Directorate |
Environment |
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Service area |
Regulation and Harbours |
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Lead officer |
Callun McKeon, AD Regulation and Harbours |
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Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment |
Tim Croot (project lead officer) Divisional Officer Environmental Protection Dean Richardson (Project Sponsor) Head of Service – Regulatory Services |
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Date impact assessment started |
17 December 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 former Scarborough Borough Council did implement a series of controls which are no longer permitted due to the implementation of the Environment Act 2021. These included egg removal, nest disturbance and the wholescale/unrestricted provision of gull proofing grants. However, as these practices are now largely banned or restricted practices, there was a need for an alternative approach. The new Urban Gull Strategy ensures the three principle aims and objectives are met and complies with the duties of the Environment Act 2021.
Extensive consultation with interested parties and partner organisations including the RSPB, Yorkshire Coast Urban Gull Partnership, The Environment Agency and local town councils amongst others has taken place.
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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 a cost element to this strategy, and this is contained in the action plan which accompanies the committee report.
This includes amongst other actions the existing seasonal guano jetting hotspot which is not currently fully funded and will need to be included otherwise the service is at risk of being reduced or removed altogether.
However, some offset savings include the non-renewal of the Gull proofing grant scheme.
Separately the Kittiwake Artificial Nesting Structure (ANS) (or Kittiwake tower) feasibility study is being funded by a grant from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. However, the actual cost and funding for the construction of a ANS has not yet been identified.
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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 |
ü |
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The seasonal guano jetting scheme is an existing operation and will remain the same level and extent. The season begins in May 2026. Waste engagement and enforcement work is likely to be on foot and will begin in Spring 2026. A reduction is excess waste litter and fly tipping will reduce the impact on cleansing services. |
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Reduction in excess waste and litter will reduce the need for cleansing services to be deployed. |
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Emissions from construction |
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n/a |
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Emissions from running of buildings |
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n/a |
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Emissions from data storage |
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n/a |
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Other |
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Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic |
ü |
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Engagement with residents and commercial businesses to ensure that they use the correct waste receptacle will reduce waste contamination and litter which cannot currently be recycled. Will begin in Spring 2026. |
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Currently excess waste not contained in the correct receptacle spills onto the ground is litter waste which is not recycled. |
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Reduce water consumption |
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ü |
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The seasonal guano jetting programme will continue as in previous seasons both in frequency and duration. Method of operation will remain the same in terms of equipment and methodology for the 2026 season. |
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Operational jetting activities and water consumption will most likely remain the same as in previous seasons. |
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Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)
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ü |
ü |
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Waste enforcement and engagement will lead to a reduction in incorrect presented waste, littering and fly tipping/side waste. This activity will begin in Spring 2026.
The guano jetting programme methodology will be subject to continued review to ensure any possible pollution of water courses or impacting on bathing water due to guano jetting ‘run off’ is minimised where evidence is obtain demonstrating that it is contributing to such pollution. |
NYC currently have no evidence to suggest that the guano jetting ‘run off’ is causing pollution or waste courses or impacting on bathing water but this will be kept under review and subject to reassessment should evidence be obtained. |
Reduction of litter and waste on the highway and private land will reduce pollution of land and drainage. |
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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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ü |
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The Urban Gull Strategy (UGS) includes actions which will maintain and where possible enhance the provisions for Kittiwakes and where possible Herring Gulls. This will fulfil and support the requirements of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and principles contained within the Environment Act 2021 |
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All of the intended actions within the UGS are intended to support and protect breeding pairs of Kittiwakes and to ensure minimum impact on the total number of Herring Gulls within the areas they are located.
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Safeguard the distinctive characteristics, features and special qualities of North Yorkshire’s landscape
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ü |
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Gulls are a truly significant feature of coastal areas of North Yorkshire. The UGS aims to preserve the existing populations of Gulls whilst enabling the public and visitors to co-exist alongside. The UGS will ensure protected buildings like the Grand Hotel are protected and can benefit from a Kittiwake ANS and proofing where there is a public health risk. Beginning 2026. |
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The planning policies and action plans within the UGS will deliver sustainable populations of Gulls whilst protecting the public and buildings of significant interest such as the Grade 2 Grand Hotel. |
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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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Natural England, 2021b. Integrated Management Plan. Available at: Apply for an individual licence to kill, take or disturb wild birds (A08 or A09) - GOV.UK
The Environment Act 2021. The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 10) Regulations (2025). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk
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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 UGS will ensure that both gulls and members of the public can co-exist in the communities they are located. Reductions in waste on the street will reduce litter which is contaminated and cannot be recycled. Activities including the Guano jetting will be monitoring and any evidence that comes to the attention of NYC with respect to pollution of water courses or bathing water will be assessed and where necessary subject to further reviews. THE UGS supports the principles of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for promotion and protection of seabirds species, whilst protecting our most significant buildings from guano damage (such as the Grand Hotel). Public health and safety will always be considered and assessed against the impacts of gull nesting and guano impacts.
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Sign off section This Environmental/climate change impact assessment was completed by:
Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature): Callum McKeon:
Date: 23 April 2026 |