Archived decisions

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

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides Harbour Board Members with the current situation on income and expenditure, Harbour Dues, the Visitor Strategy, the Bunny Meadows footpath and the Upper Hamble Country Park Jetty.

2. Corporate Strategy

2.1 This report supports Aims 1, 2 and 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Maximising Life Opportunities, Stewardship of the Environment and Improving Services) by providing information on a number of management and environmental issues relating to the River Hamble.

3. Income and Expenditure

3.1 In the final month of the financial year, the current income and expenditure situation is very satisfactory. Overall income (for the Harbour Undertaking and Visitor Partnership combined) is likely to be about £2,000 above budget, and there will be an estimated £2,000 underspend on the premises budget. However, the budgetary pressures allowance is likely to be overspent by about £4,500. This figure includes expenses associated with the Fishermen's Jetty and the Harbour Master's Jetty, both of which can be covered by monies from Crown Estate receipts if necessary (as already agreed by the Board). Budgetary pressures also assume expenditure this year of £7,500 for the re-marking of the entrance to the main channel where it passes the Harbour Office, but these works are unlikely to take place until the next financial year.

4. Harbour Dues - Progress Report

4.1 The new Harbour Dues regime came into force on 1 January 2006. The issue of stickers for Annual Dues is now well underway and it is anticipated that the vast majority of boats on the River will be able to display stickers from early April onwards.

4.2 A number of emails and letters objecting to the new Harbour Dues have been received, mainly from canoeists. Two letters, a complaint and a Freedom of Information Act request have been received from Warsash Sailing Club. All correspondence on the matter has been answered.

4.3 In view of the issues raised by canoeists, the Management Committee Working Group which was established to examine the issue of Supervision Charges has been asked to consider whether there are any viable alternatives to the current regime for collecting Harbour Dues from canoeists. Until such time as this has been given due consideration, the Harbour staff will continue to collect Dues from all eligible vessels, but the Harbour Board has agreed that any vessels which cease to be liable as the result of any changes would be entitled to a full refund (subject to production of a valid receipt).

5. Visitor Strategy - Progress Report

5.1 Following approval of the Visitor Strategy by the Harbour Board (January 2006), the Marine Director has opened negotiations with the Crown Estate and these are progressing well. The new charging regime will commence on 1 April 2006 and it is hoped that agreement will be reached to terminate the Visitor Partnership from the same date.

6. Bunny Meadows Footpath - Update

6.1 It has been agreed that Hampshire County Council (rather than the Harbour Authority) is responsible for the Bunny Meadows footpath. The Countryside Service is now working in partnership with the Environment Department and the Harbour Authority to establish a short-term solution to ensure that the material state of the path and the supporting dyke does not deteriorate further. The Countryside Service is also seeking a longer-term solution but this will have to be in accordance with national policy for sea defences and may be difficult to achieve.

6.2 The Chinese Bridge is due for survey by the Bridges Section of Hampshire County Council in March. Despite considerable research on the matter, ownership of the bridge is still rather uncertain and it is possible that it is owned by more than one party. Investigations continue into the complex issues of land and asset ownership in this area.

7. Manor Farm Country Park Jetty - Update

7.1 The jetty was surveyed by Walcon in February, and was found to be in reasonable condition. However, the surveyor recommended that the longevity of the jetty could be enhanced by driving two piles to secure the outer end to the River bed more firmly than the existing chains. At a subsequent meeting with the Countryside Service, it was agreed that this work should be carried out urgently, in order to prevent the jetty from breaking free of its chains and sustaining damage as a result. The Countryside Service agreed to fund this work, up to a maximum of about £5,000. Harbour Office staff undertook to apply for the necessary consents. It is possible (subject to consent) that the work could be carried out in March 2006 whilst a piling barge is due to be deployed in the Upper Hamble to carry out works at Eastlands Boatyard. An oral update on progress will be given at the Harbour Board meeting.

8. Impact Assessments

8.1 Work on the Bunny Meadows footpath should ensure that it remains accessible to all. The Manor Farm Country Park jetty is extensively used by groups of disabled people and the proposed piling works should ensure that the jetty remains safe and secure for all users.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

881/DE