Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
River Hamble Harbour Board - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Friday, 4th July 2025
10:00 AM
Friday, 4th July 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Friday, 4th July 2025
2:00 PM
Friday, 4th July 2025
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
04 Jul 2025
04 Jul 2025
Location:
St Pauls Church Hall, Barnes Lane, Sarisbury Green, SO31 7BG
St Pauls Church Hall, Barnes Lane, Sarisbury Green, SO31 7BG
Meeting Attendees
Officer
Sheena Sayer
Expected
Co-opted Member
Nikki Hiorns
Environmental Management Representative
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
David Jobson
Recreational Sailing Representative
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Jason Scott
Marine Director (non voting)
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Nicola Walsh
Marine Industry Representative
Present, as expected
Monitor
Jason Scott
Copy docmts only
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Councillor House sent his apologies. Cllr Groves attended the meeting as a Deputy.
2
Declarations of interest
All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Minutes
Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
3
Minutes of previous meeting held on 14 March 2025
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 March 2025.
Attachments:
- Document 2025 03 14 RHHB Minutes 25 Jun 2025
Minutes
The minutes from the previous meeting, held on 14 March 2025, were approved.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
There were no deputations.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman extended his sincere thanks, on behalf of the River Hamble Harbour Board, to Jennifer Wadham for her dedication and invaluable contributions to the Board over the years. Her commitment and insight have been greatly appreciated and will be missed. He then welcomed John Newton, who will be taking over the role, and expressed confidence in the continued strength and effectiveness of the Board under his involvement.
6
Minutes of the meeting of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 13 June 2025
To receive the draft minutes of the meeting of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 13 June 2025.
Attachments:
- Document 2025 06 13 RHHMC Minutes 25 Jun 2025
Minutes
The Board received and noted the draft minutes of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 13 June 2025.
7
Marine Director and Harbour Master's Report and Current Issues
To receive a report formally recording RHHA patrol operations and inform the Duty Holder of significant events and trends having a bearing on the Marine Safety Management System.
Attachments:
- Document Marine Director and Harbour Master's Report and Current Issues 25 Jun 2025
- Document Marine Director and Harbour Master's Report and Current Issues - Appendix 25 Jun 2025
- Document Addendum to Agenda Item 7 of the Meeting of the River Hamble Harbour Board on Friday 04 July 2025 25 Jun 2025
Minutes
The River Hamble Harbour Board received a report from the Director of Universal Services that formally recorded RHHA patrol operations and informed the River Hamble Harbour Board of significant events and trends having a bearing on the Marine Safety Management System (item 7 on the agenda).
?
The Marine Director reported that the Members’ Boat Trip, held following the recent River Hamble Harbour Management Committee meeting, had been valuable. The event benefited from excellent weather, and Members engaged actively, posing insightful questions throughout.
?
He went on to note the issue in April of the revised Port Marine Safety Code, which introduced particular responsibilities for marine facilities. The RHHA’s Marine Safety Management System, audited in January 2025 will be audited again by the Designated Person against the new Code in December. This will assure the Duty Holder of continued compliance prior to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s reporting date, anticipated to be in Jan 2026.
?
The Marine Director also advised that, despite the warmer weather, incidents of anti-social behaviour have so far been fewer than in previous years. One recent incident had however required police intervention. The Board further discussed the growing number of paddleboarders encountering difficulties in strong tidal conditions. It was confirmed that the increase in such cases is not particularly remarkable.
RESOLVED
The River Hamble Harbour Board supports the contents of this report.
?
The Marine Director reported that the Members’ Boat Trip, held following the recent River Hamble Harbour Management Committee meeting, had been valuable. The event benefited from excellent weather, and Members engaged actively, posing insightful questions throughout.
?
He went on to note the issue in April of the revised Port Marine Safety Code, which introduced particular responsibilities for marine facilities. The RHHA’s Marine Safety Management System, audited in January 2025 will be audited again by the Designated Person against the new Code in December. This will assure the Duty Holder of continued compliance prior to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s reporting date, anticipated to be in Jan 2026.
?
The Marine Director also advised that, despite the warmer weather, incidents of anti-social behaviour have so far been fewer than in previous years. One recent incident had however required police intervention. The Board further discussed the growing number of paddleboarders encountering difficulties in strong tidal conditions. It was confirmed that the increase in such cases is not particularly remarkable.
RESOLVED
The River Hamble Harbour Board supports the contents of this report.
8
Environmental Update
To receive a report summarising activities relating to the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s (RHHA) environmental management of the Hamble Estuary between mid-February and mid-May 2025.
Attachments:
- Document Environmental Update 25 Jun 2025
Minutes
The Board reviewed a report from the Director of Universal Services on the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s environmental management activities for the Hamble Estuary, covering the period between mid-February and mid-May 2025 (item 8 on the agenda).
?
The Environment Development Manager informed the Board that the routine oil spill incident exercise, typically conducted every three years in a single intensive day involving multiple authorities, has been restructured this year into two separate sessions to allow for greater oversight and improved resilience. The first day of the exercise has been successfully completed, with the second scheduled for September. Drone footage was captured during the training, and the newly tested jet boats performed well.
?
She also reported on a recent sewage incident from a Southern Water burst main. Additionally, Members received an informal update on the Oyster Project. Just two days prior to the meeting, a Royal Navy underwater drone was deployed as part of the project and captured good footage of the reef. The Environment Development Manager committed to sharing footage of both the oil spill training and the underwater drone activity at the next meeting and confirmed she would ask about sharing the 3rd parties’ videos via the River Hamble Harbour social media page or website.
?
Members were informed that the Royal Navy had recently been involved in the safe disposal of a suspected unexploded ordnance in the area.
A full update on the second day of the oil spill exercise will be presented to the Board following its completion in September.
?
RESOLVED
?
The River Hamble Harbour Board noted and supported the contents of this report.
?
The Environment Development Manager informed the Board that the routine oil spill incident exercise, typically conducted every three years in a single intensive day involving multiple authorities, has been restructured this year into two separate sessions to allow for greater oversight and improved resilience. The first day of the exercise has been successfully completed, with the second scheduled for September. Drone footage was captured during the training, and the newly tested jet boats performed well.
?
She also reported on a recent sewage incident from a Southern Water burst main. Additionally, Members received an informal update on the Oyster Project. Just two days prior to the meeting, a Royal Navy underwater drone was deployed as part of the project and captured good footage of the reef. The Environment Development Manager committed to sharing footage of both the oil spill training and the underwater drone activity at the next meeting and confirmed she would ask about sharing the 3rd parties’ videos via the River Hamble Harbour social media page or website.
?
Members were informed that the Royal Navy had recently been involved in the safe disposal of a suspected unexploded ordnance in the area.
A full update on the second day of the oil spill exercise will be presented to the Board following its completion in September.
?
RESOLVED
?
The River Hamble Harbour Board noted and supported the contents of this report.
9
River Hamble Final Accounts 2024/25 and Forecast Outturn 2025/26
To receive a report report presenting the final accounts of the Harbour Authority for the year ended 31 March 2025 and the forecast outturn for the year ended 31 March 2026 to the River Hamble Harbour Board for consideration.
Attachments:
- Document River Hamble Statutory Accounts 2024-25 & Forecast Outturn 2025 25 Jun 2025
- Document River Hamble Statutory Accounts 2024-25 & Forecast Outturn 2025-26 - Appendices 25 Jun 2025
Minutes
The River Hamble Harbour Board reviewed a report presenting the final accounts of the Harbour Authority for the year ended 31 March 2025 and the forecast outturn for the year ended 31 March 2026 to the River Hamble Harbour Board for consideration (item 9 on the agenda).
?
Members were advised that the Harbour’s finances continue to be well managed, with no unexpected issues arising in the current report. It was noted that there is typically a surplus at the end of each financial year, which is strategically used to build up reserves through careful forward planning. The draw from the Revenue Reserve has been required as the surplus for the year was not sufficient to meet the full planned contribution to the Asset Replacement Reserve. Any increases in Harbour Dues are directed toward covering inflationary rises to costs as well as rebuilding the Revenue Reserve, though these increases are implemented gradually and with careful consideration.
?
The Marine Director provided an overview of the major Harbour’s income streams. As always, Harbour Dues represented the largest reliable source of income. Income from the management agreement with the Crown Estate also provided a fixed income, which had recently increased slightly. It was noted that visitors’ income was always more variable and harder to predict. This important income stream was monitored closely using historical data. Encouragingly, current visitor income was above that experienced last year and gave cause for cautious optimism.
?
The Board also discussed the issue of unused smaller moorings. It was explained that the mooring pattern is controlled by the Crown Estate and has been a topic of ongoing discussion for several years. However, possibilities exist to modify small elements of the existing mooring pattern to help match customer needs. This will, if taken up, also make modest benefits in terms of Harbour Dues collection. A meeting on this matter with the Crown Estate is scheduled for next month, and an update will be provided at the next Board meeting.
?
RESOLVED
?
·???????? That this report, the statutory accounts and management accounts for
2024/25 was approved by the River Hamble Harbour Board.
·???????? That the Board noted the forecast outturn for the 2025/26 financial year.
·???????? That the requirement to use the Revenue Reserve (RR) to ensure the full annual transfer to the Asset Replacement Reserve (ARR) can be made in both 2024/25 and 2025/26, and subsequent reducing balance, was noted.
?
Members were advised that the Harbour’s finances continue to be well managed, with no unexpected issues arising in the current report. It was noted that there is typically a surplus at the end of each financial year, which is strategically used to build up reserves through careful forward planning. The draw from the Revenue Reserve has been required as the surplus for the year was not sufficient to meet the full planned contribution to the Asset Replacement Reserve. Any increases in Harbour Dues are directed toward covering inflationary rises to costs as well as rebuilding the Revenue Reserve, though these increases are implemented gradually and with careful consideration.
?
The Marine Director provided an overview of the major Harbour’s income streams. As always, Harbour Dues represented the largest reliable source of income. Income from the management agreement with the Crown Estate also provided a fixed income, which had recently increased slightly. It was noted that visitors’ income was always more variable and harder to predict. This important income stream was monitored closely using historical data. Encouragingly, current visitor income was above that experienced last year and gave cause for cautious optimism.
?
The Board also discussed the issue of unused smaller moorings. It was explained that the mooring pattern is controlled by the Crown Estate and has been a topic of ongoing discussion for several years. However, possibilities exist to modify small elements of the existing mooring pattern to help match customer needs. This will, if taken up, also make modest benefits in terms of Harbour Dues collection. A meeting on this matter with the Crown Estate is scheduled for next month, and an update will be provided at the next Board meeting.
?
RESOLVED
?
·???????? That this report, the statutory accounts and management accounts for
2024/25 was approved by the River Hamble Harbour Board.
·???????? That the Board noted the forecast outturn for the 2025/26 financial year.
·???????? That the requirement to use the Revenue Reserve (RR) to ensure the full annual transfer to the Asset Replacement Reserve (ARR) can be made in both 2024/25 and 2025/26, and subsequent reducing balance, was noted.
10
Review of Harbour Dues
To receive a report analysing the financial position of the River Hamble Harbour Undertaking in order to make a recommendation on any change in Harbour Dues that may be necessary.
Attachments:
- Document Review of Harbour Dues 25 Jun 2025
Minutes
The River Hamble Harbour Board reviewed a report analysing the financial position of the River Hamble Harbour Undertaking in order to make a recommendation on any change in Harbour Dues that may be necessary (item 10 on the agenda).
?
The Board was informed that this report sets out intent to arrest the use of the Revenue Reserve to make good the RHHA contribution to the Asset Replacement Reserve and explain fully the need for a 5% increase in Harbour Dues. Accompanying graphs illustrated how non-wage expenditure had already been reduced as far as possible over time. An increase in Harbour Dues was inevitable in this context.
?
The forecast Revenue Reserve balance at 31 March 2026 was noted, as was the impact of one quarter of the benefit of the 5% increase in Harbour Dues, given the misalignment of the billing and financial years. The paper argued that a 5% increase would offset sufficiently the reduction in the Revenue Reserve in the light of recent larger wage increases and additional National Insurance contributions and the availability of £11,500 in revenue income previously transferred to the Asset Enhancement Reserve. Members were also reminded of the lean staffing model under which the River Hamble Harbour operates.
?
The Marine Director also noted that staff salaries are set by Hampshire County Council are lower than or competitive with those elsewhere in the Solent.
?
RESOLVED
?
The River Hamble Harbour Board approved a proposed increase in Harbour Dues of 5% for 2025/26.
?
The Board was informed that this report sets out intent to arrest the use of the Revenue Reserve to make good the RHHA contribution to the Asset Replacement Reserve and explain fully the need for a 5% increase in Harbour Dues. Accompanying graphs illustrated how non-wage expenditure had already been reduced as far as possible over time. An increase in Harbour Dues was inevitable in this context.
?
The forecast Revenue Reserve balance at 31 March 2026 was noted, as was the impact of one quarter of the benefit of the 5% increase in Harbour Dues, given the misalignment of the billing and financial years. The paper argued that a 5% increase would offset sufficiently the reduction in the Revenue Reserve in the light of recent larger wage increases and additional National Insurance contributions and the availability of £11,500 in revenue income previously transferred to the Asset Enhancement Reserve. Members were also reminded of the lean staffing model under which the River Hamble Harbour operates.
?
The Marine Director also noted that staff salaries are set by Hampshire County Council are lower than or competitive with those elsewhere in the Solent.
?
RESOLVED
?
The River Hamble Harbour Board approved a proposed increase in Harbour Dues of 5% for 2025/26.
11
Forward Plan for Future Meetings
To receive a report setting out the key issues which it is anticipated will appear on the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee and Harbour Board agendas in the forthcoming months. The Forward Plan is attached at Appendix 1.
Attachments:
- Document Forward Plan for Future Meetings 25 Jun 2025
Minutes
The River Hamble Harbour Board reviewed a report on Forward Plan for Future Meetings (item 11 on the agenda).
?
The Board discussed items to be added to the Forward Plan and agreed that the Marine Director would invite the Designated Person to the River Hamble Harbour Authority, Captain Martin Phipps MBE, to attend the next meeting. His attendance will provide an opportunity to explain the recent updates to the Marine Safety Code in more detail.
?
Members also requested that the Crown Estate be approached with a view to attending the next meeting, following the upcoming discussion regarding proposed changes to the mooring pattern. It was felt that their presence could help increase engagement and support for the proposed adjustments. The Marine Director confirmed he would extend the invitation.
?
RESOLVED
?
The River Hamble Harbour Board noted the contents of this report.
?
The Board discussed items to be added to the Forward Plan and agreed that the Marine Director would invite the Designated Person to the River Hamble Harbour Authority, Captain Martin Phipps MBE, to attend the next meeting. His attendance will provide an opportunity to explain the recent updates to the Marine Safety Code in more detail.
?
Members also requested that the Crown Estate be approached with a view to attending the next meeting, following the upcoming discussion regarding proposed changes to the mooring pattern. It was felt that their presence could help increase engagement and support for the proposed adjustments. The Marine Director confirmed he would extend the invitation.
?
RESOLVED
?
The River Hamble Harbour Board noted the contents of this report.
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