Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2025):
165
Meetings (2024):
156
Meeting
River Hamble Harbour Management Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Friday, 21st February 2025
10:00 AM
Friday, 21st February 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Friday, 21st February 2025
2:00 PM
Friday, 21st February 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
21 Feb 2025
21 Feb 2025
Location:
Warsash Sailing Club (Shore House Shore Road, Southampton, England, SO31 9FS)
Warsash Sailing Club (Shore House Shore Road, Southampton, England, SO31 9FS)
Meeting Attendees
Co-opted Member
Councillor Vivian Achwal
Winchester City Council
Apologies, sent representative
Co-opted Member
Captain Steven Masters
Associated British Ports
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Councillor Steve Holes
Eastleigh Borough Council
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
River Hamble Marina and Boatyard Operators’ Association
Ben Lippiett
River Hamble Marina and Boatyard Operators’ Association
Apologies
Co-opted Member
Vacancy
Absent
Co-opted Member
Matthew Richardson
Association of River Hamble Yacht Clubs
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Vacancy
Absent
Co-opted Deputy
Councillor David Foot
Fareham Borough Council
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Borough Councillor
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Cllr McEvoy, Cllr Quantrill, Cllr Achwal, Cllr Burton, Cllr Kyrle and Ben Lippiett.
Cllr Williams and Cllr Foot attended as Deputies.
Cllr Williams and Cllr Foot attended as Deputies.
2
Declarations of interest
All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Minutes
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.
Cllr R Cooper advised that he is no longer a berth holder and will be updating his Decleration of Interest accordingly.
Cllr R Cooper advised that he is no longer a berth holder and will be updating his Decleration of Interest accordingly.
3
Minutes of previous meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 December 2024.
Attachments:
- Document 2024 12 20 RHHMC Minutes DRAFT 13 Feb 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 20 December 2024 were agreed as a correct record.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
There were no deputations for the meeting.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman welcomed Cllr Foot and Matthew Richardson to the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee, following their approval at the recent full County Council meeting.
The Chairman also informed the Committee that John Selby has stepped down as the RYA representative. He acknowledged John's valuable long-term contributions to the Committee and extended formal thanks and best wishes for the future. Stuart Henderson has been appointed as the interim RYA representative, pending confirmation at the next full Council meeting in May.
The Harbour Master added his thanks to John Selby for his wisdom and service over the years.
The Chairman also informed the Committee that John Selby has stepped down as the RYA representative. He acknowledged John's valuable long-term contributions to the Committee and extended formal thanks and best wishes for the future. Stuart Henderson has been appointed as the interim RYA representative, pending confirmation at the next full Council meeting in May.
The Harbour Master added his thanks to John Selby for his wisdom and service over the years.
6
Marine Director and Harbour Master's Report and Current Issues
To receive a report to record formally RHHA patrol operations and inform the Duty Holder of significant events and trends having a bearing on the Marine Safety Management System.
Attachments:
Minutes
The Committee received an update report from the Director of Universal Services (item 6 in the minute book), which formally recorded River Hamble Harbour Authority (RHHA) patrol operations and informed the Duty Holder of significant events and trends affecting the Marine Safety Management System.
It was noted that the Harbour Authority’s Designated Person had recently conducted an audit of the Harbour Authority’s Marine Safety Management System and confirmed compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code. The report from this audit will be presented at the next meeting. Trinity House, the General Lighthouse Authority, will now attend on 24th March and a report will be given at the next meeting.
The Committee was informed that Safety Newsletter 1 of 2025 had been published two days ago, and positive feedback had been received.
Members learned that while speeding on the river has decreased, it remains an issue. The Harbour team continues to stop river users and educate them on the dangers of speeding, which has made a significant difference.
The Committee discussed crime rates and was advised that the Harbour Authority works diligently before and after the busy season, closely monitoring and collaborating effectively with the Police.
Members were informed that Anti-social behaviour had been a challenge at various locations around the River. River Users and other members of the public have been urged to report ASB to the Police, who have the power to deal with it in Law. The Harbour Patrol does not have this power. Reporting the matter correctly to the Police allows the Police to prioritise their response effectively.
Councillor Holes mentioned that the Parish Council has been working on this issue for years, discussing it at every meeting. They collaborate with the Police and other parties to prepare, but immediate reporting remains crucial.
Members were also reminded that staff wear body-worn cameras while on duty, and the recordings have been used as evidence by the police.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Management Committee recommended that the River Hamble Harbour Board support the contents of this report.
</AI6>
<AI7>
It was noted that the Harbour Authority’s Designated Person had recently conducted an audit of the Harbour Authority’s Marine Safety Management System and confirmed compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code. The report from this audit will be presented at the next meeting. Trinity House, the General Lighthouse Authority, will now attend on 24th March and a report will be given at the next meeting.
The Committee was informed that Safety Newsletter 1 of 2025 had been published two days ago, and positive feedback had been received.
Members learned that while speeding on the river has decreased, it remains an issue. The Harbour team continues to stop river users and educate them on the dangers of speeding, which has made a significant difference.
The Committee discussed crime rates and was advised that the Harbour Authority works diligently before and after the busy season, closely monitoring and collaborating effectively with the Police.
Members were informed that Anti-social behaviour had been a challenge at various locations around the River. River Users and other members of the public have been urged to report ASB to the Police, who have the power to deal with it in Law. The Harbour Patrol does not have this power. Reporting the matter correctly to the Police allows the Police to prioritise their response effectively.
Councillor Holes mentioned that the Parish Council has been working on this issue for years, discussing it at every meeting. They collaborate with the Police and other parties to prepare, but immediate reporting remains crucial.
Members were also reminded that staff wear body-worn cameras while on duty, and the recordings have been used as evidence by the police.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Management Committee recommended that the River Hamble Harbour Board support the contents of this report.
</AI6>
<AI7>
7
Environmental Update
To receive a report summarising activities relating to the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s (RHHA) environmental management of the Hamble Estuary between mid-November 2024 and mid-February 2025.
Attachments:
- Document Environmental Update 13 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Committee received an update report from the Director of Universal Services (item 7 in the minute book), which summarised activities related to the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s (RHHA) environmental management of the Hamble Estuary between mid-November 2024 and mid-February 2025.
The Committee was advised that the Harbour Master, Deputy Harbour Master, and Environment Development Manager have all recently renewed their Oil Spill Response certification.
Members were informed that the Solent Oyster Restoration team is working on a recovery plan for the Solent environment. The River Hamble is ahead of the game, having collaborated with the team for some time. The second phase of the Oyster reef project is due to start shortly.
Councillor Holes noted that the River Hamble is world-renowned for its running and congratulated the Environment Development Manager on the quality of the report.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Management Committee noted and supported the contents of this report.
</AI7>
<AI8>
The Committee was advised that the Harbour Master, Deputy Harbour Master, and Environment Development Manager have all recently renewed their Oil Spill Response certification.
Members were informed that the Solent Oyster Restoration team is working on a recovery plan for the Solent environment. The River Hamble is ahead of the game, having collaborated with the team for some time. The second phase of the Oyster reef project is due to start shortly.
Councillor Holes noted that the River Hamble is world-renowned for its running and congratulated the Environment Development Manager on the quality of the report.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Management Committee noted and supported the contents of this report.
</AI7>
<AI8>
8
Asset Register Review
To receive a report conveying the condition of essential operational assets, indicate levels of associated maintenance expenditure and judge whether the Asset Replacement Reserve (ARR) is being maintained at an adequate level.
Attachments:
- Document Asset Register Review 13 Feb 2025
- Document Updated version RHHMC River Hamble Asset Register Review 13 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Committee received an update report from the Director of Universal Services (item 8 in the minute book), which conveyed the condition of essential operational assets, indicated levels of associated maintenance expenditure, and assessed whether the Asset Replacement Reserve (ARR) is being maintained at an adequate level.
The Harbour Master advised that the graph is missing from the report and apologised, noting that the correct version of the report will be added as a supplement after the meeting.
Members were informed that expenditure is cyclical in 30-year intervals and will be reviewed again next year.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Board approved:
a) That this report be taken into account alongside the annual statutory accounts in setting Harbour Dues for 2025/26 at the July Board meeting.
b) The contribution from Revenue to the Replacement Reserve should remain as planned at £42,000 in 2025/26, with continued attention to the need for frequency and amount of potential future increases.
</AI8>
<AI9>
The Harbour Master advised that the graph is missing from the report and apologised, noting that the correct version of the report will be added as a supplement after the meeting.
Members were informed that expenditure is cyclical in 30-year intervals and will be reviewed again next year.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Board approved:
a) That this report be taken into account alongside the annual statutory accounts in setting Harbour Dues for 2025/26 at the July Board meeting.
b) The contribution from Revenue to the Replacement Reserve should remain as planned at £42,000 in 2025/26, with continued attention to the need for frequency and amount of potential future increases.
</AI8>
<AI9>
9
Forward Plan for Future Meetings
To receive a report setting out the key issues which it is anticipated will appear on the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee and Harbour Board agendas in the forthcoming months. The Forward Plan is attached at Appendix 1.
Attachments:
- Document Forward Plan for Future Meetings 13 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Committee received a report from the Director of Universal Services (item 11 in the minute book), setting out the key issues which it is anticipated will appear on the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee and Harbour Board agendas in the forthcoming months.
RESOLVED
The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee noted the report.
RESOLVED
The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee noted the report.
Previous Meetings
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