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20
May 2021
A report by consultants on the proposed £7.9 million Station Gateway project in Harrogate has found it could potentially increase greenhouse gas emissions.
The gateway project aims to improve town centre accessibility, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, and help to achieve a net-zero carbon goal.
But net carbon emissions could increase because the reduced traffic flow in the area affected by the scheme would force some drivers to take longer alternative routes.
North Yorkshire County Council said this would represent a "worst-case" scenario, and it would refine the scheme to ensure it is environmentally friendly.
The report also highlighted the loss of up to 15 trees. They would be replaced by new trees within the scheme area at a ratio of at least one replacement for each tree lost.
In addition, there would be a net loss of parking spaces in Harrogate town centre. The scheme would, however, maintain or increase the number of disabled parking bays in the centre.
Under all versions of the scheme examined, the bandstand at the north end of Station Square would be removed, while the Jubilee memorial on the south side would remain in place. Other improvements include a proposed water fountain and ornamental planters.
There is no forecast of the change in carbon emissions under the "do something" or "do minimum" scenarios.
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