Archived decisions

Contact: David Evans, tel 01489 576387 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report is intended to provide an update on progress on the projects and initiatives outlined in the Marine Director's report dated 24 November 2004.

2. Corporate Strategy

2.1 This report supports Aims 1 to 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Maximising Life Opportunities, Stewardship of the Environment, Achieving Economic Prosperity, Building Strong and Safe Communities, and Improving Services) by contributing to the statutory duties entailed in the management of the River Hamble.

3. Details

Visitor Strategy

3.1 The majority of the work carried out to date has been directed towards the proposed Visitor Strategy for the River Hamble. A document outlining the scope of this work is attached as an appendix. The development of a Visitor Strategy has been afforded a relatively high priority because it is likely that many of the outcomes will have a direct impact on other projects (for example: relations with the Crown Estate; charging of Harbour Dues for all river users; river capacity; and the overall strategic management of the river). As indicated in the scoping document, it is intended that the Visitor Strategy should be completed by late summer 2005 and, if agreed, any changes which are required can be introduced from 1 January 2006.

The Crown Estate

3.2 The Marine Director met with the Crown Estate and its Managing Agents (Humberts) on 22 February 2005. The agreement for the management of the Hamble River Moorings currently remains unsigned, but a great deal of progress was made at the meeting and it is anticipated that full agreement will be reached by 1 May 2005 at the latest. A number of possible options for the Visitor Strategy were also discussed as part of the scoping exercise.

Harbour Dues

3.3 As reported previously, the Marine Director is investigating ways in which the charging of Harbour Dues can be made more equitable. Discussions have taken place with other local Harbour Authorities (Chichester and Yarmouth) and a number of possible options and best practices have been identified as a result. Initial indications are that a mechanism for charging Harbour Dues for all vessels (including dry sailors and visitors) would be both feasible and cost-effective. Initial discussions with several interested parties on how best to collect the dues, including enforcement and exemptions, have taken place and it is intended to have detailed proposals in place shortly so that, if agreed, they can be implemented with effect from 1 January 2006.

River Capacity

3.4 This remains a contentious issue and considerable thought has been given to alternative methods of measuring capacity in lieu of a basic `boat count'. A number of options have been raised and are being evaluated. Proposals will be placed before the Management Committee in due course.

Supervision Charges

3.5 In his last report, the Marine Director raised concerns about the system for levying `supervision charges' for vessels on mid-stream moorings and asked for ideas and suggestions on how to phase these charges out over a period, whilst maintaining sufficient income to run the harbour efficiently and safely. Regrettably, no inputs have been received to date.

Bye-Laws

3.6 No action has been taken, apart from exploratory discussions with Captain Mark Capon of Marine Enforcement Limited. He has suggested that it may be possible to produce a set of generic Bye-Laws, appropriately worded for the 21st Century, in cooperation with other similar Harbour Authorities in the area, which could then easily be adapted as required to meet the specific requirements of the River Hamble. The Marine Director will discuss this possibility with other authorities as the opportunity arises.

4. Other Issues

Solent School of Yachting

4.1 A total of three bids has been received, all of which are based on continuing marine-related use of the premises. The bids are currently being assessed by the Property, Business and Regulatory Services Department and its agents, Vail Williams. No bid has offered the full asking price and all the bids have shortcomings which need to be addressed before a final decision can be made.

Tourism South East

4.2 The Marine Director has attended the inaugural meeting of the Yacht Harbours South East Marketing Group which follows on from an initiative taken by Tourism South East last year. The Group is looking at ways in which the regional economic benefits of `yachting tourism' can be enhanced, specifically by improved marketing, better booking facilities and greater cooperation between harbours.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

9237/DE