Contact: Richard Exley, tel: 01489 576387

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought, as recommended in the report to the River Hamble Executive Member's Group on 25 February 2003, attached as an appendix:

(i) That Harbour Authority consent be granted, under Section 10 of the Southampton Harbour Act 1924, Section 48 of the Southampton Harbour Act 1949 and Section 36 (structures and dredging) of the Bye Laws for the River Hamble for the phased upgrade and installation of authorised 91 pontoon berths, to be secured by piles. Confirmation of this consent being subject to approval by English Nature and upon receipt of a method statement for the driving of piles, to be agreed with the Environment Agency.

(ii) That no dredging works be undertaken.

(iii) That Riverside Boat Yard (Foulkes) obtains and forwards to the Harbour Master copies of all relevant consents, assessments and agreed method statements.

(iv) That the Development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of two years.

2. Reason

2.1 The current configuration of walk-ashore pontoons is moored with a mixture of pile and chain moorings, with consequential stresses due to rise and fall and tidal current action. The movement of the midstream pontoons, off-shore of the site and the Fareham bank, can affect the safe navigation through the area, especially at night.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Taking no action.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

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

7942/RE

APPENDIX

Contact: Richard Exley, tel: 01489 576387

1. Summary

1.1 This report seeks the consent of the Executive Member for Environment to an application by Riverside Boat Yard (Foulkes), Bursledon, to replace the existing marina in a first phase with two linear pontoons and then, in a second phase, to reconfigure with finger jetties to incorporate in one system all authorised moorings.

1.2 The recommendation is that consent be given, but subject to an undertaking that the applicant continues with a phased upgrade of the Boat Yard and the Fareham bank opposite.

2. Report

2.1 Riverside Boat Yard has for many years been acknowledged as a `breakers' yard, craft being dismantled in-situ and the fittings recycled. The Yard operates a small marina of piled and moored pontoons with shore access, together with a number of mooring sites leased from the Crown Estate. The Yard is a small family concern, with the management recently consolidated by Mr `Bill' Foulkes (Aladdin's Cave Chandlery) and operated by sons and nephews.

2.2 In the past year the Yard has been progressively cleared and refurbished in discussion with both the local planners and the Health and Safety teams from Eastleigh Borough Council, with an upgraded access road and a dedicated car park for residents and visitors. In addition to the application for consent to replace pontoon berths, there is a proposal to erect, subject to consents, a roofed compound for the secure storage of all reclaimed or recycled items, and upgrade to hardstanding and dismantling areas.

2.3 It is eventually planned to clear the area of bank on the Fareham foreshore and advice is being offered to the operators to source appropriate grants to expedite this process. However, work in this area will require close cooperation with a number of relevant agencies and trusts, as some of the derelict vessels are potential new habitats.

2.4 Due to the potential change of use, moorings replaced by a marina system, it should be noted that in accordance with the Habitats Regulations and Natura 2000, English Nature will have to be consulted before consent can be confirmed.

2.5 The current configuration of walk-ashore pontoons is moored with a mixture of pile and chain moorings, with consequential stresses due to rise and fall and tidal current action. The movement of the midstream pontoons, off-shore of the site and the Fareham bank, can affect the safe navigation through the area, especially at night.

2.6 The Yard has for authorised mooring:

(i) 301.02 metres of pontoon, equivalent to 35 x 9 metre vessels;

(ii) 40 mud, tidal moorings;

(iii) 15 deep water moorings; and

(iv) a dinghy pontoon.

2.7 It is proposed to refurbish or replace the existing pontoons, to be secured on piles with safe access to the shore via a bridge adjacent to the `barge'. The pontoons will include service ducting for the installation of safety lighting, potable water and electricity. Drawing No.M2802/005 refers.

2.8 A second drawing also illustrates the proposals for the second phase; the replacement of the off-shore jetty with `finger' berths. Drawing No.M2802/006 refers.

2.9 The proposed timescale for both phases is for completion for the season commencing 1 January 2007.

2.10 No application for dredging has been submitted, but the applicant has rehearsed this application with the joint consents group and submitted plans to all the relevant agencies. The applicant is aware of a requirement to undertake all relevant risk and environmental assessments before works can commence.

Recommendations

1. That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that Harbour Authority consent be granted, under Section 10 of the Southampton Harbour Act 1924, Section 48 of the Southampton Harbour Act 1949 and Section 36 (structures and dredging) of the Bye Laws for the River Hamble for the phased upgrade and installation of authorised 91 pontoon berths, to be secured by piles. Confirmation of this consent being subject to approval by English Nature and upon receipt of a method statement for the driving of piles, to be agreed with the Environment Agency.

2. That no dredging works be undertaken.

3. That Riverside Boat Yard (Foulkes) obtains and forwards to the Harbour Master copies of all relevant consents, assessments and agreed method statements.

4. That this consent be considered null and void if the work is not commenced within two years and implemented within the agreed timescale.

7851/RE