Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Board Meeting

Apologies were received from Nikki Hiorns, Environmental Management Representative and Nicola Walsh, Marine Industry Representative.

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.

No declarations were made.

The minutes from the previous meeting, held on 5 July 2024, were approved.

There were no deputations.

The Chairman made no announcements.

The Board received and noted the draft minutes of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 20 September 2024.

The River Hamble Harbour Board received a report from the Marine Director that formally recorded RHHA patrol operations and informed the River Hamble Harbour Board of significant events and trends having a bearing on the Marine Safety Management System (item 7 on the agenda).

The Board learned of the outcome of the investigation into the damage of boats and detachment of moorings during Storm Nelson in March 2023. The Marine Director informed the Board that, following a change in the terms of the Crown Estate Licence, in February 2020, Mooring Holders are responsible for the costs associated with the removal and reinstatement of the ‘works’ on Crown Estate moorings by a Professional Contractor. This change was communicated to all Mooring Holders at the time. Concerns were raised by the Recreational Boating representative about the fairness to mooring holders of this Crown Estate policy given the expense involved. It was agreed that, although this matter falls outside the remit of the River Hamble Harbour Board, the Marine Director would pass on these concerns to the Crown Estate.

The Board also addressed issues related to Anti-Social behaviour, noting that the primary challenge is the public’s lack of awareness on how and where to report such incidents. Members expressed disappointment over the insufficient prosecution rates despite substantial evidence suggesting that stricter enforcement could reduce future occurrences. The Marine Director advised that at the beginning of each summer, a meeting is held with Parish Councils, the Eastleigh Youth Options team, and the Police to co-ordinate management of Anti-Social behaviour. A post-summer review meeting is scheduled to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies and identify areas for improvement. The Marine Director was requested to present the outcomes of this review at a future River Hamble Harbour Board meeting.

RESOLVED

The River Hamble Harbour Board supported the contents of this report.

The Board reviewed a report on the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s environmental management activities for the Hamble Estuary, covering the period from June to August 2024 (item 8 on the agenda).

Members addressed the issue of runoff from the motorway bridge and were informed that National Highways has included the rectification of motorway drainage in their five-year work plan. The Board expressed their appreciation for the Environment Development Manager’s dedicated efforts in fostering relationships to address this long-standing issue.

RESOLVED

The River Hamble Harbour Board noted and supported the contents of this report.

The River Hamble Harbour Board reviewed a report on the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s rolling Business Plan (item 9 on the agenda).

The report was summarised by the officer. Members were happy with the report and there were no questions.

RESOLVED

The River Hamble Harbour Board considered and approved the Business Plan, and any suitable revisions and additional items made by the River Hamble Management Committee.

The River Hamble Harbour Board reviewed a report on Forward Plan for Future Meetings (item 10 on the agenda).

The report was summarised by the officer. Members were happy with the report and there were no questions.

RESOLVED

The River Hamble Harbour Board noted the report.