Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Management Committee Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillor Graham Burgess and Councillor Stephen Philpott. Councillors Pam Bryant and Steven Broomfield attended as deputies.

Apologies were also received from Captain Steve Masters from Association of British Ports and John Selby from the Royal Yacht Association.

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 Hugh 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 Rod Cooper declared a personal interest as a berth holder at the yacht club at Hamble.
Councillor Trevor Cartwright declared a personal interest as a member of the Royal Yachting Association.

Ian Cooke declared a personal interest as a berth holder at the yacht club at Hamble.

It was confirmed that Councillor Barry Dunning was in attendance at the previous meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting were then agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

There were no deputations for the meeting.

There were no formal announcements.

The Committee received a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services which summarised the incidents and events which had taken place in the Harbour and addressed issues currently under consideration by the Harbour Master.

It was highlighted that there had been some damage caused by the recent storms, but overall, it storm did not cause as much as damage as feared.

During questions, Members learned that liaison had already had been initiated with partners to deter anti-social and dangerous behaviour along the river as spring approached. This included education and creating awareness of potential dangers at schools and colleges.

RESOLVED:

The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee supported the contents of the report to the Harbour Board.

The Committee received a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services which summarised activities relating to the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s (RHHA) environmental management of the Hamble Estuary between mid-November 2021 and mid-February 2022.

The officer provided a general overview of the areas covered as part of the report, which included statutory duties, habitat regulations, authority related activities (e.g. salt the salt marshes and mud flats) and various projects and research with partners.

The Committee further discussed the ongoing M27 bridge issue and impacts on the river, noting the letter that had been sent to the Secretary of State by the Chairman of the River Hamble Harbour Board in the appendix, asking for support. Members discussed many ways forward, including raising more awareness with local Parish Councils, a joint letter on behalf of the Board and partners invested in the river and also lobbying local MP’s as a collective. It was unanimously agreed that further action be included as a recommendation to the Board.

The officer also confirmed that Natural England had been monitoring the impacts of dredging along the Solent on the River Hamble, which were closely scrutinised.

RESOLVED:

a) The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee recommended that the River Hamble Harbour Board look at alternative ways to apply pressure and find a solution to the ongoing M27 bridge issues;

b) The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee noted and supported the report.

The Committee received a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regardingthe condition of essential operational assets and possible associated maintenance expenditure to judge whether the Asset Replacement Reserve was being maintained at an adequate level.

The officer summarised the report, highlighting that costs had inflated and it was important yet difficult to balance the right amount of money put aside and what may be needed due to the fluctuations.

Members agreed that it was important to only increase fees if it was needed and a gradual increase was much preferred over any sudden hikes.

Officers were thanked for their work and for good forward planning for a healthy reserve.

RESOLVED:

The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee recommended to the Board that:

The Committee received a report from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services which summarised the forward plan for the Management Committee and Harbour Board.

RESOLVED

The forward plan was noted by the Committee.