Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Board Meeting

Councillor House sent his apologies. Cllr Groves attended the meeting 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.

 No declarations were made.

The minutes from the previous meeting, held on 10 January 2025, 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 21 February 2025.

The River Hamble Harbour Board received a report from the Director of Universal Services 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).

Members were advised that the Marine Safety Management Audit was conducted on 28 January, and the organisation was found to be fully compliant. There were no items of non-conformity, although a few suggestions for improvement were made. These suggestions will be addressed by the next meeting and included in the subsequent report. Members were also briefed on the balance of pay and non-pay related expenditure over the past ten years.  Tabulated evidence was provided to demonstrate a proportional reduction in non-pay related expenditure and demonstrate to river users the steps taken to bear down on Harbour Dues increases.

RESOLVED

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

The Board reviewed a report from the Director of Universal Services on the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s environmental management activities for the Hamble Estuary, covering the period between mid-November 2024 and mid-February 2025 (item 8 on the agenda).

Members were informed that the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) was scheduled to conduct its 5-yearly OPRC Audit (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response & Co-operation Convention) of RHHA’s oil spill response preparedness this week. However, the audit has been delayed due to the Shipping Incident near Hull. The Environment Development Manager advised Members that Tier 2 oil spill incident training is being planned for the summer. Additionally, the Environment Development Manager attended a workshop recently on a recovery plan related to the Solent State of Nature Report and also held a meeting of the Hamble Estuary Partnership.  Members also learned that a request has been submitted for the next stage of the Solent Oyster Restoration Project this Spring.

RESOLVED

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

The Board received a report from the Director of Universal Services presenting the River Hamble Asset Register Review (item 9 on the agenda).

Members were advised that asset replacement broadly follows a 30-year cycle and is continuously reviewed. At the last meeting, it was agreed that the register would be assessed in relation to inflation and disruptive challenges, as detailed in paragraph 5. Figures are monitored annually, and adjustments are made as necessary. Paragraph 10 indicates that the Harbour Authority is currently in a strong position, and maintaining this status is key.

RESOLVED

The River Hamble Harbour Board approved:

·         That this report be taken into account alongside the annual statutory accounts in setting Harbour Dues for 2025/26 at the July Board meeting.

·         The contribution from Revenue to the Replacement Reserve should remain as planned at £42,000 in 2025/26 and continued note be taken of the need for the frequency and amount of potential future increases.

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

Members were advised that a boat has been booked for 13 June to provide River Hamble Harbour Management Committee members with a tour of the River Hamble. River Hamble Harbour Board Members are also welcome to join the tour. Additionally, Members were informed that following the River Hamble Harbour Board meeting on 4 July, they will receive a presentation from the Designated Person, Martin Phipps. This presentation will serve as a refresher on general port safety matters and offer a reintroduction. Martin Phipps will also provide an update on the new changes to the Port Marine Safety Code and discuss how these changes impact the River Hamble.

Members learned that Nicola Walsh, the Marine Industry Representative, advised that they are working on a Marina version of the Port Marine Safety Code update, and she will share it with Members prior to the next meeting. Members formally acknowledged the recently published River Hamble Handbook and Directory, stating that it was excellent.

RESOLVED

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