Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Management Committee Meeting

Apologies were noted from Cllr Burgess with Cllr Broomfield deputising.

The Chairman noted that there would be a presentation by Southern Water at the next meeting in March and that the item on the Terms of Reference was withdrawn.

He welcomed Ben Lippiett to his first meeting, representing boatyard and marina operators.

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.

Interests were declared as follows:

Cllr R Tayor – Berth holder, RYA member

Cllrs Lumby, Dunning and Capt S Masters – RYA membership

There were no deputations.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 September were approved subject to the following amendments:

Cllr S Holes was present

Apologies for absence referred to Cllr M Cooper

This item was withdrawn.

The Committee received a report and supplementary update from the Director of Universal Services and presented by the Marine Director formally recording RHHA patrol operations and informing the Duty Holder of significant events and trends having a bearing on the Marine Safety Management System.

The ongoing Warsash bridge repair work was highlighted, re-sheath ten supporting piles. This work will extend the life of the Bridge by an estimated 50 years and negate the requirement for full and more expensive replacement at its forecast end of life in 2032.

RESOLVED that Committee supports the contents of this report to the Harbour Board.

The Committee received the report from the Director of Universal Services presented by the Environment Development Manager.  The M27 bridge drainage was highlighted the the current position from Highways England was detailed. The concern remained that drainage from the bridge was direct into the river with no interception.

On the Solent Oyster Restoration Project, the Blue Marine Foundation is preparing the final cut of its film about the creation of the Solent’s new native oyster beds. The film features the Hamble site and interviews with RHHA staff and was expected to be available in March.

The Committee received the report from the Director of Corporate Operations and Director of Universal Services presemted by the Senior Finance Business Partnerpresenting the 2023/24 outturn forecast as at the end of September 2023 and the proposed 2024/25 forward budget.

There was a £29k surplus.  In general, visitor income was up. Gross spending was £700k.  The reported change in spending on environmental matters was a coding difference only.  The report described the reserves position; the Asset Replacement Reserve was planned to be at £290.5k by 31 March 2025. 

The operation of the customer payment system was explained by the Harbour Master.  It was noted that forecast increases in costs were being factored in to the financial planning.

RESOLVED That

1. the projected outturn for the 2023/24 financial year is noted.

2. the proposed forward budget is supported by the River Hamble Harbour

Management Committee and submitted to the River Hamble Harbour Board

for approval.

3. the requirement to use the Revenue Reserve (RR) to ensure the full

annual transfer to the Asset Replacement Reserve (ARR) can be made in

both the current and forward year is noted.

4. the balances held within the reserves and the position on the reserve

balances are noted.

The Committee received a report from the Director of Universal Services presented by the Marine Director summarising a review of fees and charges applicable to the River Hamble. It was noted that the report did not cover Harbour Dues for privately owned leisure vessels, which have been reviewed separately and increased by 3%. 

The Marine Director stated that the range of fees were competiive and attractive to users and also reflected the costs of service provision.

RECOMMENDED that the Harbour Board approval of the fees and charges set out below and to advertise them on the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s website.

The Committee received and agreed the Forward Plan.