Contact: Richard Exley, tel 01489 576387

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That a display area of 15 square metres be leased at the Southampton Boat Show 2002 at a total cost of £1,285.50 to display proposals for a mooring strategy for the River Hamble.

2. Reason

2.1 The proposed mooring strategy is a significant and dynamic plan for the future sustainable management of the River Hamble by Hampshire County Council in partnership with the Crown Estate.

2.2 In addition to the local debate with residents and river users, this display offers a unique opportunity to inform and involve a significant proportion of regional yachtsmen and so widen public consultation to all those who moor, use or visit the river in the future.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Limited local presentations to specific `interest' groups and surgeries for invited consultees.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - Not applicable.

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. Background

7.1 Despite a number of historical mooring strategies developed for the management of the moorings and the control of boat numbers, the river has become overcrowded and congested. Recommendations to clear areas of the river adjacent to the Site of Special Scientific Interest (Blue Areas) remain incomplete and moorings are now continuous from the river entrance to upstream of the motorway M27 bridge.

7.2 Additional to the congestion afloat, the effect on local residents from traffic generated by boat crews together with a lack of dedicated car parking for many mid-stream moorings has been significant, reducing the quality of and dominating the life in the waterfront communities.

7.3 Following a report to the River Hamble Executive Member's Group on 5 October 2001, the Harbour Master was instructed to develop proposals, reporting progress regularly.

8. Strategic Mooring Plan

8.1 Further research has identified areas of the river, with a minimum depth of water of 1.0 metres below chart datum, which would lend themselves to more intensive use. 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 park space and use of toilet facilities would continue to be an option already enjoyed by many owners.

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

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

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

(iii) the 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.

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.

9. Consultation

9.1 In developing these proposals introductory consultations have been undertaken with:

(i) English Nature;

(ii) the Environment Agency;

(iii) marinas and boat yards, yacht clubs, potential partners;

(iv) the Crown Estate; and

(v) Eastleigh and Fareham Borough Council Planning Officers.

All 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. Eastleigh and Fareham planning officers have agreed to join a working group to develop these plans, with particular interest in any impact on the local communities and achieving environmental benefits.

9.2 Mooring holders have not yet been consulted, but internal discussion has been encouraged with those owners with a more positive outlook, the majority of whom would welcome the installation of Harbour Authority pontoons if proven to be cost effective.

10. Proposal

10.1 Having completed a scoping document for the plan, the principles will be submitted to the River Hamble Management Sub-Committee for approval on 21 June 2002, prior to a number of presentations to potential partners and representatives of river user groups.

10.2 In addition to local presentations and surgeries with small interest groups, it is considered crucial that the plan be inclusive of all river users and communities. A number of methods to consult this `silent majority' have been considered - public advertising, press releases and targeted mailings. On 3 May 2002 the River Hamble Executive Member's Group agreed that a public display at the Southampton Boat Show in September would offer a unique opportunity to involve the boating community in the consultation process, with in excess of 125,000 visitors expected to attend, of which 68% are from London, the South Coast and the Home Counties (considered to be the principal catchment area of the River Hamble).

10.3 A stand measuring 15 square metres is proposed, at a hire charge of £85.70 per square metre, a total of £1,285.50.

10.4 The displays, photographs and other explanatory material will be prepared and sourced by the appropriate County Services at an additional cost, yet to be quantified. They would be common to all the presentations, displays, surgeries and workshops proposed by the consultative timetable from July, prior to the submission of the plan for approval in January 2003.

7159/RE