Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Board Meeting

Apologies were received from Chris Moody and from Councillor House. Councillor Groves attended as a deputy.

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 and a member of the Royal Yachting Association.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

There were no deputations.

The Chairman noted that an application had been made by Cemex to extract minerals from Hamble Airfield and that this was due for determination via the County Council’s Regulatory Committee. The Chairman noted concerns from local residents regarding dust settling onto boats within the Harbour and the potential damage this could cause. It was confirmed that the Marine Director would relay these concerns via the appropriate channels to ensure that they were considered as part of the decision making process.

The Board received and noted the draft minutes of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 9 December 2022.

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

and Business Services regarding incidents and events in the Harbour.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board supports the contents of the report.

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

and Business Services with an update on environmental matters.

RESOLVED:

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

The Board considered the report presenting the 2022/23 outturn forecast as

at the end of September 2022 and the proposed 2023/24 forward budget.

As part of the discussion, it was confirmed that a business case had been presented to the Crown Estate to modify sections of the river with a variety of options including reducing piles, offering flexibility for larger boats to be moored to reduce the existing waiting list and/or to provide an option to moor smaller or larger boats. It was noted that this would be reported on in more detail at a future meeting.

Members discussed ways in which the AER reserves could be incorporated into making improvements for river users. A new weather station was one of the suggestions put forward and the Marine Director noted that this would be investigated. Furthermore, it was confirmed that a central webcam to enable viewing of the Harbour from the Harbour Authority website was due for installation shortly following liaison with Legal Services as appropriate. Members also noted the announcement of the $5million Solent Seascape Project which will aim to restore coastal habitats; it was noted that more information would follow but that the Harbour Authority were hoping to be involved in any Hamble-based project work.

RESOLVED:

      i.        That the projected outturn for the 2022/23 financial year is noted.

    ii.        That the proposed forward budget is approved.

   iii.        That the balances held within the reserves and the position on the reserve balances are noted.

   iv.        That the proposal to transfer any actual excess within the Revenue Reserve (RR) at year end to the Asset Enhancement Reserve (AER) be approved.

    v.        That the principle of transferring any actual excess within the Revenue Reserve (RR) at year end to the Asset Enhancement Reserve (AER) as the default position be approved.

The Board considered the report setting out the proposed fees and charges for the forthcoming year.

In response to a Member query, it was confirmed that launching fees for Personal Water Craft or Jet Skis could be paid annually or for each use and that information and instructions on how to make the payment was advertised online and via signage at each launching point along the river.

RESOLVED:

That the Board approve the fees and charges set out in the report and to advertise them on the Harbour Authority’s website.

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.

It was noted that the Annual Forum would be held on Tuesday 21 March from 7-8.30pm in the Main Hall at Warsash Sailing Club.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board notes the report.