Item 2

AT A MEETING of the RIVER HAMBLE HARBOUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE held in the Former Grand Jury Room, The Castle, Winchester on Wednesday 5 June 2002.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillor K.B. Estlin (Chairman)

Fareham Borough Council

Councillor T.M. Cartwright

River Hamble Mooring Holders' Association

Mr R. Daw

Hamble-le-Rice Parish Council

Councillor Mr R. Elliston

Southern Sea Fisheries District Committee

Mr P. Hill

River Hamble Berth Holders Association

Mr H.R. Knight

River Hamble Boatyard and Marina Operators Association

Mr C.E. Moody

The Crown Estate

Mr F.G. Parrish

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology

Ms J.S. Satchell

Association of River Hamble Yacht Clubs

Mr J.H.R. Selby

Environment Agency

Miss L.S. Sheffield

Hampshire Police Marine Unit

Sgt. A. Simpson

Curbridge Parish Council

Councillor R.A. Wright

Also in attendance were:-

Mr M.G. Capon, Port Marine Safety Code Designated Person; Mr D. Octon

7. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2001 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to the following amendment:-

Minute 5 - Report of the Harbour Master

Mr H.R. Knight of the Hamble Berth Holders' Association

Arising thereon:

Minute 5 - Report of the Harbour Master

Mr Selby enquired whether progress had been made regarding the investigation of the wreck in the navigation channel. Ms Satchell reported that because of poor visibility only one dive had been possible on the site. Further investigations were planned to take place in September 2002. The Harbour Master reported that the wreck had been buoyed.

8. HARBOUR MASTER'S REPORT

The Committee considered the report of the Harbour Master (Item 2 in the Minute Book) outlining activities and events on the River for the period January 2002 to date.

The Harbour Master reported that the Harbour Authority office was now staffed daily from 0600 to 22.00 hours. Further unsuccessful searches had been made for Daniel Nolan, who failed to return home from fishing on 1 January 2002.

Research was continuing as part of the Oil Spill Contingency Plan. There was an ongoing review of the location, method of deployment, mooring and recovery of the Oil Boom to protect the Estuary. Oil spill contractors' advice was being sought on various aspects of the deployment and it was anticipated that a report would be sent to the Executive Member's Group in the near future.

Information was sought on the effectiveness of evening patrols on the River and whether there had been an effect on thefts and speedings. The Harbour Master replied that some reduction in these incidents had been measured. Co-ordinated late night patrols with the police were also being considered.

Following the successful seminar in June 2001, an Integrated Consents and Planning Group working group had been established to consider a wide range of planning and environmental topics and offer advice to applicants. Mr Daw sought information regarding any mechanism which existed for notifying organisations not represented on the Group. He was advised that advice was given and advertisements placed as part of the planning process.

The Municipal Ports Review was due to be resumed in July and an interim or full report be presented to ministers by the end of 2002.

Mr H. Knight felt that proposals for dredging and expenditure of £50,000 should be supported.

The Interreg Bid for funding had been put on hold until September 2002 with a decision expected by October and implemented over three years starting in December of this year.

RESOLVED:

That the report on past activity be noted.

9. HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE CROWN ESTATE "PARTNERSHIP" - THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CROWN ESTATE

The Committee considered the report of the County Planning Officer (Item 3 in the Minute Book) on the development of the relationship with the Crown Estate.

The Crown Estate and the County Council had agreed the contents of a letter of intent which formed the basis of the relationship between the parties, the aim of which was that both work together and with others to conserve and enhance the recreational value and environmental quality of the River Hamble. Mr Parrish reported that this had been a difficult job, but that good progress had been made and that all the documentation was in place. It was the intention to revise the Mooring Licences and

consultations had taken place on the River to this end.

The waiting list had been reduced to approximately 460 applicants and the waiting time was now some five years. The Crown Estate were working up proposals for the banding of moorings, which would fairly reflect the moorings respective values. The charges were to be introduced in January 2003 following further public consultations.

RESOLVED:

That the report be welcomed and following consideration by the Advisory Committee, be submitted to the River Hamble Management Committee.

10. A VISION FOR THE RIVER HAMBLE

The Committee considered the report of the County Planning Officer (Item 4 in the Minute Book) on progress on "A Vision for the River Hamble". Mr Denton-Thompson stated that there was a need to set the context for all plans for the River Hamble based on qualitative market research. Each plan would have its own consultation process and together would form an over-arching "Vision" for the River and its environment. The Harbour Authority intended to work in partnership with the Crown Estate to promote the social environmental and economic well being of the area for the benefit of those who live near and make use of the River Hamble.

The report would be taken to the Management Committee and then to the Executive Member for approval.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the report be noted.


(ii) That the vision set out in the document entitled "Our Aspirations for the River Hamble Area" be referred to the Executive Member for Environment for approval.

11. PORT MARINE SAFETY CODE, POLICIES AND COMPLIANCE

The Committee considered the report of the Harbour Master (Item 5 in the Minute Book) seeking members' comments following a compliance audit of the Port Marine Safety Code.

The River Hamble Harbour Authority's responsibility for improving, maintaining and managing the River Hamble, had recently been restated in the Port Marine Safety Code. This made the Harbour Authority responsible and accountable for the discharge of its duties. The duties included an obligation to ensure the safety of marine operations, which in turn included regulation of safety and navigation on the River Hamble. The Harbour Master advised that the Harbour Authority would have to revisit the safety management systems to identify managed risk and keep these as low as practicable. Mr Selby sought clarification that the duty holder for the Harbour Authority was Councillor Estlin. Mr Hugh Knight identified two risks, firstly small children in boats and the possibility of their ramming other vessels; and the time it would take for fire crews to reach a simulated fire at a marina berth, should a fireman in attendance fall into the water.

Commenting on measures which could be taken to reduce speeding of vessels on the River, concern was expressed that the Harbour Master and his staff would be unpopular if measures such as CCTV, radar guns and taking people to court were employed. It was considered easier to take a personal approach with alleged offenders. Councillor Estlin replied that no plans existed for the introduction of bye-laws and where vessels were travelling at between 25 and 30 knots, the Harbour Authority must have the freedom to prosecute to bring all such behaviour under control. Mr Daw felt that general publicity to these areas should be given in a future edition of "River Talk". Councillor Estlin reported that CCTV had been approved by the Committee and this would be introduced. Attention was drawn to the use of scrubbing piles, and that these should more correctly now be referred to as maintenance piles.

12. DRAFT ESTUARINE MANAGEMENT PLAN - PUBLIC CONSULTATION

The Committee considered the report of the County Planning Officer (Item 6 in the Minute Book) on public consultation relating to the Draft Estuarine Management Plan for the River Hamble.

The report had been produced in April 2002 and was now on circulation to Members for consideration and comment. It was one of a portfolio of plans being prepared for the future sustainable management of the river estuary. It was emphasised that this was a draft and that further work was needed prior to its approval and publication. Members were requested to submit any comments they may have as soon as possible.

RESOLVED:

That Members consider the Estuarine Management Plan and respond to the consultation prior to it being approved by the Executive Member for Environment.

13. FINAL ACCOUNTS 2001/02

The Committee considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 7 in the Minute Book).

The following main points were made during discussions of the accounts:-

(a) The accounts showed an underspend on gross revenue expenditure for £24,000 against revised budget; an underspending of £10,000 and sundry income achieved over budget by £15,000.

Mr Daw raised comments on (paragraph 3.2.) the £15,000 which the County Council had agreed to contribute if income had been less than that amount in the financial year. He was advised that under the agreement with the County Council, sufficient visitor income had been received so that the Harbour Authority would not draw up on this money.


(b) Miscellaneous Income of £78,040 at outturn prices 2001/02.


(c) Mr Daw expressed concern that two outboard motors and sundries had been purchased within three years of the original vessels having been purchased. The Harbour Master replied that the increase in use of the Harbour Master's vessels had meant that repairs and renewals of engines would inevitably be more frequent, but he confirmed that the lifespan of the motors was finite and had been planned for.


RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

14. RIVER HAMBLE BUDGET 2002/03 AND HARBOUR DUES CHARGES 2003

The Committee considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) setting out details of proposed Harbour dues charges for the River Hamble for 2003.

The County Treasurer reported that the charges would be set by the Cabinet as the Executive Member for Environment was considered to have an interest in the River and would thus be prevented from making the decision. It was hoped that the installation of CCTV at a cost of £31,000 per annum would be carried out in September 2002 and there would be no call on the Harbour Dues Reserve. Mr Selby commented on (paragraph 2.7) the set up costs of £15,000 for the Port Marine Safety Code. It was suggested that this charge could be taken out of reserves thus reducing the predicted increase in Harbour Dues. Councillor Estlin advised that this would mean a substantial charge in 2004 as well as 2003. The County Treasurer advised that the level of reserves should be maintained as a contingency for future major costs, such as dredging. This might be an option, but needed to be seen in the context of activity on the River. Mr Daw commented on (paragraph 2.6) the two proposed editions of "River Talk", and considered that it should be a non-glossy publication. Mr Knight supported Mr Daw's view that the cost of "River Talk" should be reduced. They were advised that plans for a four page edition had been prepared.

RESOLVED:

That the proposed budget and charges be noted.

15. RIVER HAMBLE MOORINGS PLAN - PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES

The Committee considered the joint report of the County Planning Officer and the Harbour Master (Item 9 in the Minute Book) regarding the draft proposals and public consultation exercise.

The Harbour Authority had now commenced work on a new Moorings Plan that aimed to fulfil Policy 2 of the 1992 Plan. There would be extensive consultation on the Plan which would rationalise and reorganise all the moorings and berths on the River Hamble in order to achieve significant benefits to recreation, navigation and safety, and the environment.

The Plan would take between 10 to 15 years to achieve. The County Council were fully supported by the Crown Estate and encouraged by English Nature and the Environment Agency. The timing for the evolution of the process was considered to be important. The public and interests on the River would be fully consulted during this process. Mr Knight, for the Berth Holders' Association, felt that the proposals were a great improvement on the present system.

RESOLVED:

That the report be welcomed prior to it being submitted to the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee.

16. MISCELLANEOUS LOCAL MATTERS

Mr Selby asked if the Warsash Public Hard could be cleared up as it was covered with seaweed. Councillor Estlin undertook to raise this at the Executive Member's Group and the question of the fisherman's jetty so that this could be taken up with Fareham Borough Council.

Sergeant Simpson of the Hampshire Police Marine Unit, brought to the attention of the Committee a recent article in the Sailing Today magazine. The article, written by an eminent barrister, suggested that unless a Harbour had an ancient right or other authority they would have no legal power to charge vessels that anchor. The writer also suggested that although it was accepted that Harbour Authorities could regulate anchoring they could not prohibit it. River Hamble byelaw 16 prohibited anchoring south of the motorway bridge and Sgt. Simpson warned that although Hamble did not charge for anchoring (because it was prohibited) anchoring in the River may now become an issue. Mark Capon was asked to look into this issue.

Mr Daw requested the date of the next meeting, and asked that once fixed that it should not be changed to a new date as diaries had been fixed. He raised concerns regarding the condition of the base of various hards below their water mark where the base had deteriorated. There was also a problem regarding access to public hards where they were used for launching as these were also used by boat owners for maintenance purposes thus blocking their use for launching.

17. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

29 November 2002 in the Wellington Room, at The Castle, Winchester.

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