Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report

1. Executive Summary

1.1. This report provides an update on issues currently occupying the Marine Director's in-tray. These include Warsash Sailing Club's s31 objection to Harbour Dues, the Select Committee approved by the Harbour Board at its last meeting, ordering replacement Patrol Boats and procurement of new aerial photographs of the harbour.

2. Issues

2.1. Warsash Sailing Club's s31 objection. This has now been formally withdrawn by the Club, but seven other representations made by various organisations and individuals also have to be withdrawn before the Public Inquiry (scheduled for 27 October) can be cancelled by the Department for Transport. At the time of writing (13 October), five of the seven representations have been withdrawn, with two outstanding. A verbal update on the situation will be provided at the meeting.

2.2. Select Committee. The Harbour Board has agreed to the terms of reference and structure of a Select Committee to consider the issues originally raised by Warsash Sailing Club in its s31 objection. For information, the terms of reference and structure are at Appendix 1. The Select Committee has held its first meeting (28 September). Meetings to hear and consider evidence are scheduled for 21 October and 23 November.

2.3. Order for replacement Patrol Boats. An order for two new patrol boats has now been placed with Cheetah Marine, as agreed by the Harbour Board. The new boats will be delivered in 2010 and will be up-to-date versions of the current boats, with the addition of an opening gate in the sidewall. Engines, control systems and some stainless steel work will be transferred from the existing boats. The present intention is to trade-in the existing boats.

2.4. Procurement of aerial photographs. Aerial photographs are an invaluable tool for managing the harbour, particularly when considering applications for works consent which affect safety and ease of navigation. They provide an additional layer of visual information which cannot be obtained from charts, maps or plans. The 2009/10 Business Plan approved the purchase of up-to-date photographs and a considerable amount of work has gone into identifying the best solution. There is an inevitable trade-off between height and quality. The higher the aircraft, the wider the area that can be covered in a single shot and the less the angular distortion at the edge of each shot, but such shots do not show as much precise detail and can display a lack of clarity due to atmospheric distortion. Conversely, the lower the aircraft, the narrower the area covered by each shot and the more difficult it is to match adjacent shots to give a coherent view of the whole river (because of angular distortion at the edges). However, shots taken from a lower altitude will show more precise detail and are likely to be more crisply defined. Research into the best possible solution continues.

3. Recommendation

3.1. That this report be noted

CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION:

Links to the Corporate Strategy

APPENDIX 1

River Hamble Select Committee

Terms of Reference

1. The Select Committee is proposed as a means to independently review the objection to harbour dues on the River Hamble made by the Warsash Sailing Club in accordance with Section 31 of the Harbours Act 1964 thereby avoiding the considerable cost of a public enquiry.

2. The Select Committee shall comprise NINE members as follows:

One Hampshire County Councillor Councillor Seán Woodward

One Fareham Borough Councillor Councillor Trevor Cartwright

One Eastleigh Borough Councillor Councillor Susan Ingram

Three representatives of river users Michael Sterne, David Jobson and Colin Brookes

Two representatives of river businesses Rupert Boissier and Jon Eads

One representative of the RYA Bob Russell

3. The Select Committee will be chaired by Hampshire County Councillor Seán Woodward with Michael Sterne of Warsash Sailing Club as the Vice Chairman.

4. The Select Committee will publicise its work and invite any group's spokesman or any individual with an interest in the conduct of the River Hamble to appear to make representations or present written evidence including appropriate officers of Hampshire County Council.

5. The Committee will:

a. Investigate the objections by Warsash Sailing Club and the responses by the Harbour Authority

b. Consider the dues charged by the Harbour Authority to the various categories of river user and any differentials between them

c. Consider the activities carried out by the Harbour Authority and identify any that are not directly related to that body's powers and whether any additional work carried out should properly met by harbour dues payers

d. Consider what aspects of the costs and charging regime may assist in meeting the vision of the Hampshire County Council Department of Culture, Communities & Rural Affairs:

"To improve the quality of life by providing the best possible access to recreational and heritage services and assets together with developing skills and interests to ensure the better use of these valuable resources"

and the following corporate objectives:

Providing personal and social development opportunities for 13-19 year olds through youth work, for example, cultural activities, advice, information and counselling, international and residential experiences

Promoting and supporting health and healthy lifestyles for all

e. Investigate the activities of the Harbour Authority office and consider if it could achieve better efficiency and, hence, economy

and make recommendations to the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee which in turn will make recommendations to the River Hamble Harbour Board and Hampshire County Council as appropriate.

6. Timescale. The Select Committee will aim to complete its work during 2009.