Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Board Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillor Ford and Councillor House.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code.  Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

David Jobson declared personal interests as a member of both the RAF and

Royal Southern Yacht Clubs, as a midstream mooring holder and a member of

the Royal Yachting Association. Chris Moody declared personal interests as a member of Warsash Sailing Club and as Chairman of the Hamble River Boatyard and Marina Operators Association.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

There were no deputations.

The Chairman had no announcements.  

The Board received and noted the draft minutes of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 30 September 2022.

The Board considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities

and Business Services regarding incidents and events in the Harbour.

The Board noted that discussions would be held with the Director of CCBS regarding the delegated spending limits within the departmental scheme of delegation.

It was confirmed, in relation to the Warsash Jetty tendering process for remedial works as set out in the report, that engineering colleagues from the County Council would be involved in vetting tenders received. It was agreed, given the price estimates that had been obtained, to allow a spend of up to £50,000 rather than the initial £40,000 recommendation.

There was discussion regarding antisocial behaviour throughout the summer months and the Board noted that the young people in question often travelled from outside of the County Council’s administrative boundaries to access the Harbour – largely from the Southampton area. Members acknowledged the close working with Hampshire Constabulary and that there had been two arrests made this year. The Board noted the significant efforts of the Harbour Office team in supporting outreach work with local schools and young people’s forums to advise on water safety and the RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign with a view to prevent incidents from occurring and deter inappropriate use of the River. The Board discussed the importance of allowing access to the water for recreational use but in a safe manner – striking a balance was challenging and the Harbour Authority was doing the utmost to enable this.

Members congratulated the Harbour Office on the way in which the Swanwick, Bursledon and Warsash Regatta had been managed,.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board:

      i.        approves that the Marine Director may spend up to £50,000 to expedite remedial works to the Bridge at Warsash.

    ii.        supports the contents of the remainder of this report.

The Board considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities

and Business Services with an update on environmental matters.

The Board received an update on the M27 motorway bridge drainage run off as set out within the report and noted that the results of ongoing feasibility studies would be available from National Highways in spring 2023. Members noted, once again, their disappointment at the lack of progress in developing a resolution.

It was also confirmed that the Harbour Authority had sought and received ‘lessons learned’ following a recent superyacht fire and subsequent oil spill at Torquay Harbour.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board notes and supports this report.

The Board considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding patrol boat replacement options.

Board members recognised the extensive work having gone in to produce the detail in the report. The expense of alternative technologies and existing uncertainty around the performance of electric engines was noted. Members agreed that the option to switch to an electric engine in the future was sensible.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the Board agrees to support to the River Hamble Harbour Board investment in 3 long-life replacement patrol vessels.

David Jobson declared an interest as a member of the Royal Southern Yacht Club and did not participate in the meeting whilst this item was discussed.

The Board received the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services seeking approval to a Harbour Works Consent application.

The Board noted that berthing conditions granted to the Club in the Harbour Works’ Consent approved on 26 June 2013 would continue to apply ad infinitum, namely:

•         That there shall be a prohibition on double berthing or ‘rafting’ on the hammerheads of the outer pontoons (i.e. on the main channel side) and on the inshore 10 metres at the upstream end of the inner pontoon which forms the entrance to the complex.

•         That the length of individual boats berthed on the upstream finger pontoons of the RAFYC berthing facility shall not exceed the lengths shown in the diagram at paragraph 8.4 (of that note).

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board approves Harbour Works Consent

for the proposal set out in paragraph 5 of the report and subject to the

following conditions:

a. The proposal is to be built in accordance with the details, plans and

method set out in paragraph 5.

b. A minimum of 7 days advance notice confirming the start of the works

must be given to the Harbour Master in order that the Notice to River

Users can be issued.

c. The applicant should ensure that only coatings and treatments that are

suitable for use in the marine environment are used in accordance with

best environmental practice. All reasonable precautions will be

undertaken to ensure no pollutants enter the waterbody.

d. The applicant should ensure that all equipment, temporary structures,

waste and/or debris associated with the licensed activities is removed

upon completion of the licensed activities.

e. The development must be completed within 3 years from the date of

the approval granted by the Harbour Board.

The Board considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities

and Business Services with regard to the future business items for the

Committee and Harbour Board agendas.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board notes the report.