Archived decisions

THE VISION OF THE RIVER HAMBLE

1. The River Hamble Harbour Authority is required to produce a number of plans in order to meet its statutory obligations. As part of this process, a decision was made to prepare an overarching vision setting out broad aspirations that would establish the context for development of individual plans and policies for the River. A consultation leaflet has been produced entitled "Our Aspirations for the River Hamble Area" which was distributed to local businesses, river user groups and other groups with an interest in the area. In addition several exhibitions were held which resulted in a high level of support for the County Council's vision. The leaflet is based on eight key aspirations:-

(i) Safety

(ii) Communication and consultation

(iii) Recreational use of the River Hamble and its surroundings

(iv) Tourism

(v) Environment

(vi) Development and the local economy

(vii) The local community

(viii) Transport

2. It is the intention of the Hamble Harbour Authority 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. A new relationship has been developed between the County Council and the Crown Estate, which includes a 50-year lease to the County Council of the non-mooring areas of the River Hamble. The County Council has also entered into a new Management Agreement governing the management of the Crown Estate's moorings.

3. Work is being carried out on a number of projects linked in with the overarching vision as follows:-

(i) Port Marine Safety Code - a number of proposals are being taken forward to achieve full compliance of the Code in the near future;


(ii) Hamble Estuarine Management Plan - the draft Plan is currently out to consultation and is one of a portfolio of plans being prepared for the future sustainable management of the Estuary;


(iii) River Hamble Moorings Plan - this draft plan considers the rationalisation of the moorings on the river to achieve benefits for recreation, to improve safety and navigation on the river and environmental enhancements. Consultation with the public will be undertaken in the late summer and autumn.

4. This is proving to be a very exciting and challenging period of development for the River Hamble. Change is an inevitable consequence of complying with new environmental legislation and the modernisation of harbour administrations.

8ER23702