Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
River Hamble Harbour Management Committee - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Friday, 13th March 2026
10:00 AM
Friday, 13th March 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Friday, 13th March 2026
2:00 PM
Friday, 13th March 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
13 Mar 2026
13 Mar 2026
Location:
Warsash Sailing Club (Shore House Shore Road, Southampton, England, SO31 9FS)
Warsash Sailing Club (Shore House Shore Road, Southampton, England, SO31 9FS)
Meeting Attendees
Co-opted Member
Captain Steven Masters
Associated British Ports
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
Councillor Steve Holes
Eastleigh Borough Council
Present, as expected
Co-opted Deputy
Councillor David Foot
Fareham Borough Council
Expected
Co-opted Member
Matthew Richardson
Association of River Hamble Yacht Clubs
Absent
Chairman
Chairman of the Council
Co-opted Member
Stuart Henderson
Royal Yachting Association
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
British Marine - Vacancy
British Marine
Expected
Co-opted Member
River Hamble Marina and Boatyard Operators’ Association
Ben Lippiett
River Hamble Marina and Boatyard Operators’ Association
Present, as expected
Co-opted Deputy
Councillor Ritchie Latham
Winchester City Council
Expected
Monitor
Councillor Ritchie Latham
Copy docmts only
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillor Alexis McEvoy, Councillor Stephen Philpott (with Councillor Steven Broomfield attending as his Deputy), and Councillor Rupert Kyrle.
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.
No declarations of interest were made.
No declarations of interest were made.
3
Minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 December 2025
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 December 2025.
Attachments:
- Document 2025 12 19 RHHMC Minutes DRAFT 05 Mar 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 19 December 2025, were agreed as a correct record.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
There were no deputations received for the meeting.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman confirmed that there were no announcements to make.
6
Marine Director and Harbour Master's Report and Current Issues
To receive a report to record formally RHHA patrol operations and inform the
Duty Holder of significant events and trends having a bearing on the Marine
Safety Management System.
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 05 Mar 2026
- Document Addendum to Agenda Item 6 05 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Committee received an update report from the Director of Universal Services (item 6 in the minute book), to record formally RHHA patrol operations and inform the Duty Holder of significant events and trends having a bearing on the Marine Safety Management System. The Chairman thanked the Marine Director for the detailed report.
The Harbour Master reported that the Chairman of the Harbour Board, as Duty Holder, had confirmed compliance with the Port and Marine Facilities Safety Code to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency ahead of the 31 March deadline. This followed an inspection of the Marine Safety Management System carried out by the Designated Person, Captain Martin Phipps, on 9 February, for which verbal approval had been given pending receipt of the full written report.
The Harbour Master highlighted the considerable work undertaken by the Deputy Harbour Master and the wider team in preparing the documentation required for the inspection. Thanks were also extended to the River’s sailing clubs and marinas, who had shown commitment and made substantial efforts to ensure their facilities and procedures aligned with the updated Code and the associated bridging documentation. Members were advised that the bridging document had been circulated on 1 January and that productive engagement with clubs and marinas had followed.
During questions, Members sought clarification regarding changes in water flow within the River and the role of dredging. The Harbour Master confirmed that the main channel is not routinely dredged and remains largely stable. The requirement for dredging fell principally to marinas and boatyards, whose curtilages encompassed former areas of salt marsh. Members also queried the expected timeframe for clubs and organisations to demonstrate progress in implementing the updated safety expectations. The Harbour Master advised that a one?year period was considered reasonable given the differing operational contexts across the River.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee supported the contents of this report to the Harbour Board.
The Harbour Master reported that the Chairman of the Harbour Board, as Duty Holder, had confirmed compliance with the Port and Marine Facilities Safety Code to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency ahead of the 31 March deadline. This followed an inspection of the Marine Safety Management System carried out by the Designated Person, Captain Martin Phipps, on 9 February, for which verbal approval had been given pending receipt of the full written report.
The Harbour Master highlighted the considerable work undertaken by the Deputy Harbour Master and the wider team in preparing the documentation required for the inspection. Thanks were also extended to the River’s sailing clubs and marinas, who had shown commitment and made substantial efforts to ensure their facilities and procedures aligned with the updated Code and the associated bridging documentation. Members were advised that the bridging document had been circulated on 1 January and that productive engagement with clubs and marinas had followed.
During questions, Members sought clarification regarding changes in water flow within the River and the role of dredging. The Harbour Master confirmed that the main channel is not routinely dredged and remains largely stable. The requirement for dredging fell principally to marinas and boatyards, whose curtilages encompassed former areas of salt marsh. Members also queried the expected timeframe for clubs and organisations to demonstrate progress in implementing the updated safety expectations. The Harbour Master advised that a one?year period was considered reasonable given the differing operational contexts across the River.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee supported the contents of this report to the Harbour Board.
7
Environmental Update
To receive a report summarising activities relating to the River Hamble Harbour Authority’s (RHHA) environmental management of the Hamble Estuary between December 2025 and mid-February 2026.
Attachments:
- Document Environmental Update 05 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Committee received an update report from the Director of Universal Services (item 7 in the minute book), summarising environmental management activity undertaken by RHHA between December 2025 and mid?February 2026. The presenting officer noted that the reporting period was shorter than usual, and the compliance?related matters set out in the report were progressing well, with processes and procedures being effectively maintained.
Updates were provided on biodiversity initiatives, statutory responsibilities and water quality monitoring, which were included for Members’ information. Members’ attention was drawn to RHHA’s early engagement with Associated British Ports regarding potential future dredging activity in Southampton Water.
During questions, Members asked whether findings from water quality monitoring would be shared. It was explained that RHHA does not participate directly in that process; however, the resulting information would be publicly available, and Members could be signposted to it once released. Reference was also made to recent liaison with Southern Water, with Members reminded that environmental information requests can be submitted via Southern Water’s public process.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee noted and supported the remainder of this report.
Updates were provided on biodiversity initiatives, statutory responsibilities and water quality monitoring, which were included for Members’ information. Members’ attention was drawn to RHHA’s early engagement with Associated British Ports regarding potential future dredging activity in Southampton Water.
During questions, Members asked whether findings from water quality monitoring would be shared. It was explained that RHHA does not participate directly in that process; however, the resulting information would be publicly available, and Members could be signposted to it once released. Reference was also made to recent liaison with Southern Water, with Members reminded that environmental information requests can be submitted via Southern Water’s public process.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee noted and supported the remainder of this report.
8
Asset Register Review
To receive a report conveying the condition of essential operational assets, indicate levels of associated maintenance expenditure and judge whether the Asset Replacement Reserve (ARR) is being maintained at an adequate level.
Attachments:
- Document Asset Register Review 05 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Committee received a report from the Director of Universal Services (item 8 in the minute book), which outlined the condition of essential operational assets, indicated levels of associated maintenance expenditure, and assessed whether the Asset Replacement Reserve (ARR) was being maintained at an adequate level. The Harbour Master noted that the period since the last meeting had been short but highlighted that the report remained significant as it confirmed the continued effectiveness of long?term planning for asset sustainability.
Members were reminded that ARR planning extends to 2050 and reflects the inherently cyclical nature of asset replacement. Material and manufacturing costs continue to rise in ways not always matched by general economic indicators, and global factors such as fuel costs also affect long?term projections. The graphs accompanying the report showed the relationship between forecast expenditure and cumulative reserve levels, with the fluctuations reflecting necessary investment at different points in the asset lifecycle.
The Harbour Master advised that the current annual contribution of £42,000 remained sufficient for 2026/27 and that assumptions predicting the need for an increase to £47,000 in 2027 remained valid. The Committee heard as a reminder how recent investment in an improved replacement Visitors’ Pontoon had strengthened the Reserve over the long term. In response to a Member’s question regarding long?term environmental and disruptive risks, the Harbour Master confirmed that such factors had been built into the planning process, referencing a report brought to Members in December 2024 addressing these considerations.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee confirmed it recommends to the Harbour Board:
That this report be taken into account alongside the annual statutory accounts in setting Harbour Dues for 2026/27 at the July Board meeting. The contribution from Revenue to the Replacement Reserve remain as planned at £42,000 in 2026/27, with continued attention to the need for future increases, particularly to £47,000 in 2027/28.
Members were reminded that ARR planning extends to 2050 and reflects the inherently cyclical nature of asset replacement. Material and manufacturing costs continue to rise in ways not always matched by general economic indicators, and global factors such as fuel costs also affect long?term projections. The graphs accompanying the report showed the relationship between forecast expenditure and cumulative reserve levels, with the fluctuations reflecting necessary investment at different points in the asset lifecycle.
The Harbour Master advised that the current annual contribution of £42,000 remained sufficient for 2026/27 and that assumptions predicting the need for an increase to £47,000 in 2027 remained valid. The Committee heard as a reminder how recent investment in an improved replacement Visitors’ Pontoon had strengthened the Reserve over the long term. In response to a Member’s question regarding long?term environmental and disruptive risks, the Harbour Master confirmed that such factors had been built into the planning process, referencing a report brought to Members in December 2024 addressing these considerations.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee confirmed it recommends to the Harbour Board:
That this report be taken into account alongside the annual statutory accounts in setting Harbour Dues for 2026/27 at the July Board meeting. The contribution from Revenue to the Replacement Reserve remain as planned at £42,000 in 2026/27, with continued attention to the need for future increases, particularly to £47,000 in 2027/28.
9
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.
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 05 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Committee received the Forward Plan for forthcoming meetings (item 9 in the minute book), which set out the key items expected to come before both the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee and the Harbour Board over the coming months. The Harbour Master highlighted that the meeting scheduled for 12 June would take place at 2.00 pm rather than in the morning and noted that the annual boat trip traditionally held on the same day was proving difficult to arrange, with alternative options such as presentations being explored.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee noted the report.
CLOSING REMARKS
A Member raised concerns regarding the M27 bridge, noting ongoing issues relating to outflows and their potential environmental impact on the River. The Member reported that discussions were taking place with National Highways, including senior environmental representatives, to gain further clarity on the matter and to explore opportunities for environmental improvements to be incorporated alongside the structural works proposed for the next funding round. The Harbour Master confirmed that officers had received similar indications, as given regularly in previous reports, and awaited further details.
The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking Members and officers for their contributions and expressed appreciation for the attendance and engagement of those in the public gallery.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Management Committee noted the report.
CLOSING REMARKS
A Member raised concerns regarding the M27 bridge, noting ongoing issues relating to outflows and their potential environmental impact on the River. The Member reported that discussions were taking place with National Highways, including senior environmental representatives, to gain further clarity on the matter and to explore opportunities for environmental improvements to be incorporated alongside the structural works proposed for the next funding round. The Harbour Master confirmed that officers had received similar indications, as given regularly in previous reports, and awaited further details.
The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking Members and officers for their contributions and expressed appreciation for the attendance and engagement of those in the public gallery.
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