Archived decisions

Contact: Merrick Denton-Thompson, ext: 6826

1. Summary

1.1 At the last meetings of this Committee and the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee it was reported that a consultation exercise was to be undertaken on the preparation of an overarching Vision for the River and its environment. The purpose of this report is to give an account of the results of the consultation and to set out the process for confirmation by the River Hamble Harbour Authority of the proposed set of aspirations.

2. Background to the Vision

2.1 The River Hamble Harbour Authority is required to produce a number of plans to meet its statutory obligations. The Harbour Authority also intends 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 who make use of the River Hamble. It was decided to prepare an overarching vision setting out broad aspirations that would establish the context for the development of individual plans and policies for the river. This proposal was reported to the last meeting of this Committee.

2.2 Following a qualitative market research exercise, and from the experience gained over the years by the County Council, a number of aspirations for the river were drafted for consultation, along with a questionnaire. These were sent out to local businesses, river user groups and other groups with an interest in the area. A small exhibition was held in Hamble, Bursledon, Old Netley and Warsash, from which 84 questionnaires were returned. The majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with all the aspirations set out in the attached leaflet entitled `Our Aspirations for the River Hamble Area'. A summary of the responses is also attached.

2.3 Although the results are not statistically valid it is proposed that the Vision set out in the document entitled `Our Aspiration for the River Hamble Area' be brought to the Executive Member for Environment for approval following the next meeting of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee.

Recommendations

1. That the Vision set out in the document entitled `Our Aspiration for the River Hamble Area' be brought to the Executive Member for Environment for approval.

2. That the Committee note the contents of this report.

7184/MDT