Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Board Meeting

Apologies were received from Nikki Hiorns, David Jobson and Councillor Keith House. Councillor Tim Groves was in attendance as the Liberal Democrat substitute member.

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.

Chris Moody declared personal interests as a member of Warsash Sailing Club and as Chairman of the Hamble River Boatyard and Marina Operators Association.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 April 2022 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

There were no deputations.

There were no announcements.

The Board received and noted the draft minutes of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held 10 June 2022.

The Board considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding incidents and events in the Harbour.

The Board heard that incidents of antisocial behaviour had increased due to the warmer weather and in keeping with the usual trend in the summer months. The Marine Director was working with Hampshire Constabulary officers to ensure a consistent approach to managing the incidents.

In response to a Member question, it was noted that both verbal and written warnings are issued to vessels caught speeding. Records of the warnings issued were retained by the Harbour Office for five years and, on occasion, prosecution was pursued for repeat offenders.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board notes the content of the report.

The Board considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services with an update on environmental matters.

Members heard that the Harbour Office were in direct contact with the M27 route manager at National Highways and that a meeting with the team was due to be arranged in the next couple of months. It was noted that no response had been received from National Highways regarding the works conducted to the M27 in June.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Board notes the content of the report.

The Board received the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services seeking retrospective approval to a Harbour Works Consent application.

Members heard that the Harbour Office had identified the development in question and that no permissions had been sought prior to its installation. It was noted that retrospective consent of this nature was a rare occurrence and generated a significant amount of additional work for officers to process the application.

RESOLVED:

That the Board approves Harbour Works Consent for the proposal set out in paragraph 4 of the report and subject to the following conditions:

a.    The proposal is to be built in accordance with the details, plans and method set out in paragraph 4.

b.    The size, arrangement and specific location of the enhancement features are to be submitted to and approved by the Harbour Master in writing prior to installation.

c.    The applicant should ensure that all equipment, temporary structures, waste and/or debris associated with the consented activities be removed upon completion of the consented activities.

The Board considered the report of the Directors of Corporate Services –

Corporate Resources and Culture, Communities and Business Services outlining the final accounts for 2021/22.

RESOLVED:

i)             That this report, the statutory accounts and management accounts be approved by the River Hamble Harbour Board.

ii)            That the Board notes that as at 31 March 2022 the Revenue Reserve has a balance of £73,705, which exceeds the maximum balance set out in the reserves policy by approximately £11,000.

iii)           That the Board approves the proposal to transfer the excess within the Revenue Reserve to the Asset Enhancement Reserve.

iv)           That the Board approves the recommended changes to the 2022/23 budget.

v)            The Board notes that, following the approval to transfer the excess within the Revenue Reserve to the Asset Enhancement Reserve, a minor amendment would be made to note 15 in the statutory accounts to reflect that decision.

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

and Business Services in setting the annual rate of Harbour Dues.

RESOLVED:

That the Board approves an increase in Harbour Dues of 1% for 2022/23.

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.

RESOLVED:

That the Board notes the report.