Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Management Committee Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillors Graham Burgess, Tonia Craig, Joanne Burton and from Ian Cooke.

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.

Councillor Lumby declared a personal interest as member of the Royal Southern Yacht Club, a berth holder at MDL and a consultant at a law firm who provide legal advice to some businesses on the river; Councillor Dunning declared an interest as a member of the Royal Yachting Association; John Selby declared interests as a trustee of Warsash Sailing Club, a committee member of the Royal Yachting Association, of the River Hamble Combined Clubs and of the River Hamble Mooring Holders Association; Councillor Rod Cooper declared an interest as a mooring holder and as a member of the RAF Yacht Club; Councillor Frair Burgess declared an interest as a member of Warsash Sailing Club.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2022 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

A deputation was received from Tony Blewett who spoke regarding his concerns over pollution in the River. The Chairman thanked Mr Blewett for his deputation.

The Chairman was sad to announce the death of former County Councillor and Management Committee member, Alan Rice. Members joined the Chairman in recognising the contribution that Alan had made and in sending condolences to his family.

The Committee considered the report regarding incidents and events in the Harbour.

With regards to sections 6 and 7 of the report, Members noted that both the Marine Safety Management System Audit and the Trinity House Audit had taken place and both been declared fit for purpose.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee support the contents of the report to the River Hamble Harbour Board.

The Committee considered the report with an update on environmental matters.

Members discussed the issue of water pollution and noted that the responsibility for monitoring the water quality was that of the Environment Agency (EA). It was noted that the Harbour Authority reported incidents of pollution and sewage to the EA and it was possible for members of the public to report in the same way. As part of the discussion, water pollution was recognised as a significant national issue that needed to be addressed by the appropriate authorities. Members sought to invite a representative of Southern Water to a future meeting of the Committee. Officers agreed to issue the invitation but noted that the Committee did not hold any formal powers over the company and could not insist upon their attendance.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that:

·         The EA monitor water quality through mandatory sampling – this was not conducted by the Harbour Authority. Occasionally Universities or other authorities conducted project work which involved some water sampling.

·         The oyster restoration project was intended to contribute to the redevelopment of ecosystems within the River, as opposed to producing oysters for consumption. Other shellfish harvested from the Solent were subject to external byelaws, appropriate treatment processes and must be from licenced areas.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee note and support the report.

That officers liaise with Southern Water to invite representation at a future meeting of the Management Committee to discuss water pollution.

The Committee considered a report regarding the condition of operational assets and associated maintenance expenditure.

In response to a Member query, it was confirmed that price increases due to inflation had been factored in to the financial forecasting within the report.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee supports that:

i.              The report be taken into account alongside the annual statutory accounts in setting Harbour Dues for 2023/24 at the June Board meeting.

ii.            The contribution from Revenue to the Replacement Reserve should remain at £42,000 2023/24 and note be taken of the need for frequency and amount of potential future increases.

The Committee 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.

Members noted that the Annual Forum and draw for tender berthing at Hamble and

Warsash Jetties would take place at Warsash Sailing Club at 18:30 on Tuesday 21 March 2023.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes the report.