Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Management Committee Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillor Lumby, Councillor M Cooper, Councillor Achwal, Ian Cooke, Nicola Walsh and Steven Masters.

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.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2023 were agreed as a correct record.

There were no deputations.

The Chairman welcomed new members to the Committee – Councillor Steve Holes from Eastleigh Borough Council and Councillor Jonathan Williams from Winchester City Council (who was attending as a deputy for Councillor Achwal).

The Committee considered the report regarding incidents and events in the

Harbour.

With regards to section 6 of the report, officers recorded their thanks to PC Tim Bright from Hampshire Constabulary who had worked alongside the Harbour Authority team in addressing incidents of antisocial behaviour on and around the River. Members queried whether CCTV could be used to help address these issues. It was confirmed that cameras previously installed had been vandalised, however some new CCTV had recently been installed at Warsash and the possibility of additional cameras elsewhere would be explored.

Members noted that the Harbour Authority website had been re-designed and were encouraged by officers to review and feedback their comments.

In response to a Member question regarding section 7.40 of the addendum, it was confirmed that the incident was still under investigation by the Environment Agency.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee supports the contents of the report to the Harbour Board.

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

In response to a Member query, it was confirmed that the native oysters used for the Solent Oyster Restoration Project (see section 5 of the report) had derived from Wales and that all oyster underwent a biosecurity process before entering the River.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes and supports the report.

The Committee considered the Harbour Works Application as set out within the report.

Officers noted that pre-application advice is often sought by applicants which had proven a good use of time and resources in supporting potential Harbour Works Consent applications.

With regard to section 24 i and 24 iii in the report, the process for undertaking Habitats Regulations Assessments of potential impacts on designated sites was explained to the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee recommends to the River Hamble Harbour Board to approve 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 applicant should ensure that only coatings and treatments that are suitable for use in the marine environment are used in accordance with best environmental practice. All reasonable precautions will be undertaken to ensure no pollutants enter the waterbody.

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

d.    Necessary measurements of the new facilities to be made to calculate the new annual rate of Harbour Dues payable by the boatyard.

e.    The development must be completed within 3 years from the date of the approval granted by the Harbour Board.

The Committee reviewed the report presenting the Harbour Authority Business Plan.

Members were encouraged to review the Plan and feedback to the Marine Director at any time throughout the year.

RESOLVED:

That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee reviews the Business Plan and proposes any suitable revisions and additional items for consideration by the River Hamble Harbour Board.

The Committee considered the report with regard to the future business items for the Committee and Harbour Board agendas.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes the report.