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

1. Summary

1.1 This report proposes that there be a Scheme of Delegation for River Hamble Harbour Authority works consent decisions.

2. Recommendation

That the River Hamble Harbour Board approves the Scheme of Delegation for Harbour Authority works consent decisions, as shown in the appendix to this report.

3. Proposal

3.1 Section 48 of the Southampton Harbour Act 1949 states that the River Hamble Harbour Authority is required to give consent in writing before any works are carried out in the River Hamble. The decision to grant or withhold such consent is normally made by the Harbour Board after taking advice from the Management Committee. There are, however, frequent requests for consent for minor works in the River, such as routine maintenance dredging and small repairs to sea walls, for which the decision can safely be delegated to the Harbour Master. The flow diagram at the Appendix is designed to provide officers with criteria to determine when works consent decisions must be made by the Harbour Board and when they can be delegated to the Harbour Master.

4. Impact Assessments

4.1 This report sets out an administrative process only, therefore an impact assessment in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has not been undertaken.

5. Conclusion

5.1 There is a clear requirement for a Scheme of Delegation for Harbour Authority works consent decisions so that officers can determine when such decisions must be made by the Harbour Board and when they can be delegated to the Harbour Master.

APPENDIX

RIVER HAMBLE HARBOUR AUTHORITY

SCHEME OF DELEGATION

HARBOUR AUTHORITY WORKS CONSENT DECISIONS