Contact: Richard Exley, tel 01489 576387

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the proposals for a strategic sustainable mooring plan for the river, including an interim Environmental Impact Assessment, be further developed for the consideration of the Executive Member's Group.

2. Reason

2.1 For the benefit of future river users, the community and the river's environment.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 None.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted

4.1 Councillor K B Estlin has disclosed a personal non-pecuniary interest as a mooring holder. This is not considered to be a clear and substantial interest, in which case he is able to make the decision in this matter.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7. Introduction

7.1 On 20 January 1999 the former River Hamble Harbour Management Sub-Committee reviewed the current mooring types and made proposals for future mooring systems and facilities.

7.2 Various mooring plans and permutations have been developed to clear the designated mooring exclusion areas, which can easily be achieved with the use of linear pontoons. There is the opportunity to develop further a mooring plan for the river.

8. Background

8.1 Further research of the river has identified areas, with a minimum depth of water of 1 metre below chart datum, which would lend themselves to more intensive use.

Current occupation levels per acre of water:

(i) for fore and aft piled or chain moorings, approximately 8 pairs of 10 metre vessels; and

(ii) for pontoons and finger berths, 35 to 40 10 metre vessels.

8.2 These areas are generally adjacent to existing marinas and could be connected to create a walk ashore facility from budget berths (no electrical supply or water). The lease of a car parking space and use of toilet facilities would continue to be an option already enjoyed by many owners.

8.3 Other factors have also been identified that contribute to the use of the river by mid-stream mooring licensees:

(i) use of marina facilities, car park, toilets/showers and dinghy storage, currently £500 per year;

(ii) lack of available recycling facilities adjacent to mooring areas;

(iii) use of tenders designated as a `high risk' within the risk assessment undertaken for the Port Marine Safety Code; and

(iv) the large proportion of pontoons purchased and installed between piles and on moorings.

9. Proposal

9.1 This proposal seeks to create for the use of future generations of boat owners various partnership arrangements to add a number of convenience/facility packages to suit all budgets.

9.2 Having established these public marinas, attractive open areas of the river could then be created to encourage dinghy sailing and widen navigation channels, so improving river safety, and stabilising or improving the environment.

10. Consultation

10.1 In developing these proposals consultation has been undertaken with:

(i) English Nature;

(ii) The Environment Agency;

(iii) Marinas and boatyards, yacht clubs, potential partners;

(iv) The Crown Estate; and

(v) Eastleigh and Fareham Borough Council planning officers.

10.2 All those consulted have welcomed the proposals and are keen to develop partnerships. English Nature and the Environment Agency are particularly keen to minimise the chain mooring systems and to reduce the total number of piles.

10.3 Eastleigh and Fareham planning officers have agreed to join a working group to develop these plans, with particular interest on any impact on the local communities and the benefits for the environment.

10.4 Mooring holders have not yet been consulted but discussions will be undertaken.

6762/RE