Hampshire County Council River Hamble Harbour Management Committee Meeting

Apologies were received from Councillors G Burgess, Lumby, M Cooper, Bull, F Burgess, Broomfield, Quantrill and from Captain Masters and Ian Cooke.

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 10 June 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

There were no deputations.

The Chairman had no announcements.  

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

and Business Services regarding incidents and events in the Harbour.

Members endorsed the proposal to raise the Marine Director’s level of delegated spend but noted that this was dependent on discussions with the Director of CCBS. The Committee felt that an annual review of the delegated spend levels without Board approval would be prudent and the Marine Director agreed to raise this with the Director of CCBS as part of the discussion with a view to incorporating this into the departmental scheme of delegation. It was also noted that regular reports on any significant delegated spend would be helpful for Members.

In response to a question regarding patrol times, it was confirmed that, on average, the river was patrolled for five hours a day but that these hours were extended throughout the summer months.

RESOLVED:

That the Management Committee:

a. notes that the Marine Director is seeking to amend the existing officer

delegated spend limits from £25,000 to £40,000 but that this adjustment is

subject to the agreement of the Director of CCBS.

b. notes that, subject to existing officer delegated spend limits being

adjusted as per recommendation a above, the Marine Director intends to

approve a spend of £40,000 towards expediting the remedial works to the

Bridge at Warsash.

c. supports the contents of the remainder of this report to the Harbour

Board.

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

and Business Services with an update on environmental matters.

Members expressed their continued frustration and disappointment regarding the M27 motorway bridge drainage issues. Members suggested inviting a representative of National Highways to a subsequent Committee meeting although it was noted that a representative had already attended a meeting of the Hamble Estuary Partnership and that the Chairman of the Harbour Board had already made direct contact with National Highways. Members noted that the results of National Highways feasibility studies would be available in Spring 2023 and updates would be provided for the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Management Committee notes and supports this report.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services regarding patrol boat replacement options.

The Committee reviewed the options presented and raised some queries related to alternative fuels such as fossil free diesel. It was noted that the marine industry had not progressed in line with other industries in this regard and that options were expensive and alternative technologies were not fully proven. Members agreed to look to replace a diesel engine with an alternative option going forward, but not at the current time, and that planning for this was sensible.

It was confirmed that the preferred boat manufacturer had been selected for using a thicker, and therefore more durable, High Density Polyethylene than the direct competitor. It was also confirmed that the manufacturer did not offer a leasing option.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the Management Committee agrees to support to the River Hamble Harbour Board investment in 3 long-life replacement patrol vessels.

b)    That the Management Committee agrees that the Harbour Master should present options in commercial confidence and within the allocated budget to the Board for approval.

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

The Committee noted that berthing conditions granted to the Club in the Harbour Works’ Consent approved by the Harbour Board on 26 June 2013 would continue to apply ad infinitum, namely:

•      That there shall be a prohibition on double berthing or ‘rafting’ on the hammerheads of the outer pontoons (i.e. on the main channel side) and on the inshore 10 metres at the upstream end of the inner pontoon which forms the entrance to the complex.

•      That the length of individual boats berthed on the upstream finger pontoons of the RAFYC berthing facility shall not exceed the lengths shown in the diagram at paragraph 8.4 (of that note).

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 5 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 5.

b. A minimum of 7 days advance notice confirming the start of the works

must be given to the Harbour Master in order that the Notice to River

Users can be issued.

c. 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.

d. The applicant should ensure that all equipment, temporary structures,

waste and/or debris associated with the licensed activities is removed

upon completion of the licensed activities.

e. The development must be completed within 3 years from the date of

the approval granted by the Harbour Board.

The Committee 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 River Hamble Harbour Management Committee notes the report.