Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Board Meeting

Apologies were received from Cllr House – Cllr Groves deputising, and from Nicola Walsh.

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 October 2023 were agreed as a correct record.

There were no deputations.

A film depicting the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s involvement in the Solent Oyster Restoration Project would be shown after the meeting.  

The Board noted the draft minutes of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 8 December 2023.

The Committee received the report and supplement (Item 7 in the minute book), detailing RHHA patrol operations and informing the Duty Holder of significant events and trends having a bearing on the Marine Safety Management System.

The variable effects on the river and staff workload of recent weather storms was discussed. The Marine Director agreed to provide an annual comparative a summary on the of patrol activity

The completion of works on work on the Warsash Harbour Master’s bridge was noted.

The Board supported the report.

The Board received the report (item 8 in the minute book)  summarising activities relating to the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s (RHHA) environmental management of the Hamble Estuary between September and November 2023.

An imminent major overnight survey of the motorway bridge to assess viability of future works by National Highwayswas highlighted.

The Board supported the report.

The Board received the report (item 9 in the minute book) to present the 2023/24 outturn forecast as at the end of  September 2023 and the proposed 2024/25 forward budget to the River Hamble Harbour Board for approval.

The planned draw on reserves to support, for example the replacement patrol boats was highlighted. The draw down would continue to be discussed.  Options for spending the asset enhancement reserves in a beneficial way would need to be discussed in due course.

The projected increase in visitor numbers and income was discussed and this would continue to be reviewed.   A £1k budget for academic studies was highlighted.

The Board agreed:

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

That the proposed forward budget is approved.

That 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.

That the balances held within the reserves and the position on the reserve

balances are noted.

The Board received the report (item 10 in the minute book) summarising a review of fees and charges applicable to the River Hamble. It does not cover Harbour Dues for privately owned leisure vessels, which have been reviewed separately and increased by 3%.

The fee charged for the launch of jetskis had been in place for two years, had not changed and was considered to be in line with charges of other harbours.

That the River Hamble Harbour Board approves the fees and charges set out

below and to advertise them on the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s

website

The Board reviewed the Forward Plan for 2024.

It was requested that an update on Crown Estate mooring development methodology be presented at a future  meeting of the Board.