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, 20th March 2026
10:00 AM
Friday, 20th March 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Friday, 20th March 2026
2:00 PM
Friday, 20th March 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
20 Mar 2026
20 Mar 2026
Location:
St Pauls Church Hall, Barnes Lane, Sarisbury Green, SO31 7BG
St Pauls Church Hall, Barnes Lane, Sarisbury Green, SO31 7BG
Meeting Attendees
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
Officer
Sheena Sayer
Expected
Conservative Deputy
Councillor Zoe Huggins BEM
Not required
Co-opted Member
Nikki Hiorns
Environmental Management Representative
Present, as expected
Co-opted Member
David Jobson
Recreational Sailing Representative
Present, as expected
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillor House, with Councillor Groves attending as his 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.
No declarations of interest were made.
No declarations of interest were made.
3
Minutes of previous meeting held on 16 January 2026
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 January 2026.
Attachments:
- Document 2026.01.16 RHHB Minutes DRAFT 06 Mar 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 16 January 2026, were approved.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
There were no deputations 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
Minutes of the meeting of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 13 March 2026
To receive the draft minutes of the meeting of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 13 March 2026.
Attachments:
- Document 2026 03 13 RHHMC Minutes DRAFT 06 Mar 2026
Minutes
The Board received and noted the draft minutes of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee held on 13 March 2026.
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 06 Mar 2026
- Document Addendum to Agenda Item 7 06 Mar 2026
Minutes
The River Hamble Harbour Board received a report from the Director of Universal Services (item 7 in the agenda), which set out recent patrol activity and current issues affecting the Harbour Authority.
Members were advised that the reporting period for this update was shorter than usual. The Harbour Master highlighted two key matters: the Marine Safety Management System audit, during which the Designated Person confirmed compliance with the amended Port and Marine Facilities Safety Code; and the recent Trinity House inspection, which identified no defects.
The River Hamble Harbour Board noted the considerable effort undertaken by the Harbour Authority team in preparing for these processes, and appreciation was expressed for the support provided by marinas, clubs and wider partners. No questions were raised on this item.
An addendum summarising operational activity between 16 February and 16 March 2026 was also received as part of this report.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Board supported the contents of this report.
Members were advised that the reporting period for this update was shorter than usual. The Harbour Master highlighted two key matters: the Marine Safety Management System audit, during which the Designated Person confirmed compliance with the amended Port and Marine Facilities Safety Code; and the recent Trinity House inspection, which identified no defects.
The River Hamble Harbour Board noted the considerable effort undertaken by the Harbour Authority team in preparing for these processes, and appreciation was expressed for the support provided by marinas, clubs and wider partners. No questions were raised on this item.
An addendum summarising operational activity between 16 February and 16 March 2026 was also received as part of this report.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Board supported 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 December 2025 and mid-February 2026.
Attachments:
- Document Environmental Update 06 Mar 2026
Minutes
The River Hamble Harbour Board received a report from the Director of Universal Services (item 8 in the agenda), which provided an update on environmental management activity between December 2025 and mid?February 2026.
Members were advised that the reporting period was shorter than usual and that compliance?related work continued to progress well.
Members discussed the early preparatory work associated with mitigating any potential future impacts of dredging activity in Southampton Water on the Hamble Estuary. It was explained that Associated British Ports had begun preparing licence applications and would provide further detail as proposals developed.
A Member referred to a recent BBC documentary concerning the Sea Empress oil spill incident and commented on its relevance to port authority responsibilities and environmental preparedness. The River Hamble Harbour Board recognised the improvements in oil?spill response that followed that event and the importance of maintaining a high level of preparedness.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Board noted and supported the contents of this report.
Members were advised that the reporting period was shorter than usual and that compliance?related work continued to progress well.
Members discussed the early preparatory work associated with mitigating any potential future impacts of dredging activity in Southampton Water on the Hamble Estuary. It was explained that Associated British Ports had begun preparing licence applications and would provide further detail as proposals developed.
A Member referred to a recent BBC documentary concerning the Sea Empress oil spill incident and commented on its relevance to port authority responsibilities and environmental preparedness. The River Hamble Harbour Board recognised the improvements in oil?spill response that followed that event and the importance of maintaining a high level of preparedness.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Board noted and supported the contents of this report.
9
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 06 Mar 2026
Minutes
The River Hamble Harbour Board received a report from the Director of Universal Services (item 9 in the agenda), which outlined the condition of essential operational assets and the adequacy of the Asset Replacement Reserve.
Members were advised that the report remained significant in confirming the continued effectiveness of long?term planning for asset sustainability. The Harbour Master explained the cyclical nature of asset replacement and highlighted the value of recent investment in the mid?stream Visitors’ Pontoon, which had contributed positively to the Reserve over time.
Members discussed inflationary pressures and the unique cost patterns associated with marine infrastructure. It was explained that material and manufacturing costs have risen in niche areas in ways not always aligned with broader economic indicators. Members were advised that while the current annual contribution to the Reserve remained sufficient for the year ahead, an increase would be required in 2027, reflecting long?established planning assumptions.
Members noted the relationship shown in the accompanying graphs between forecast expenditure and cumulative Reserve levels, with the peaks and troughs arising naturally from the cyclical replacement of assets. The Harbour Master confirmed that the planning process includes long?term environmental and disruptive risk factors and that the Authority’s approach remains aligned with previously reported assessments.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Board agreed that this report be taken into account alongside the annual statutory accounts in setting Harbour Dues for 2026/27 at the July Board meeting, and that 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 in 2027/28.
Members were advised that the report remained significant in confirming the continued effectiveness of long?term planning for asset sustainability. The Harbour Master explained the cyclical nature of asset replacement and highlighted the value of recent investment in the mid?stream Visitors’ Pontoon, which had contributed positively to the Reserve over time.
Members discussed inflationary pressures and the unique cost patterns associated with marine infrastructure. It was explained that material and manufacturing costs have risen in niche areas in ways not always aligned with broader economic indicators. Members were advised that while the current annual contribution to the Reserve remained sufficient for the year ahead, an increase would be required in 2027, reflecting long?established planning assumptions.
Members noted the relationship shown in the accompanying graphs between forecast expenditure and cumulative Reserve levels, with the peaks and troughs arising naturally from the cyclical replacement of assets. The Harbour Master confirmed that the planning process includes long?term environmental and disruptive risk factors and that the Authority’s approach remains aligned with previously reported assessments.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Board agreed that this report be taken into account alongside the annual statutory accounts in setting Harbour Dues for 2026/27 at the July Board meeting, and that 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 in 2027/28.
10
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 06 Mar 2026
Minutes
The River Hamble Harbour Board received a report from the Director of Universal Services (item 10 in the agenda), which set out the key matters expected to come before both the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee and the Harbour Board over the coming months.
Members were advised that the next meeting of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee, scheduled for 12 June, would take place at 2.00 pm rather than in the morning. As a result, the annual familiarisation boat trip traditionally held on the same day would not go ahead, and alternative induction arrangements for new Members were being developed.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Board noted the report.
Closing Remarks
The Marine Director thanked the current cohort of Members for their wisdom, guidance and support over the past year. He commented that it had been a privilege to work with the Board and expressed his appreciation for the constructive engagement shown throughout the meeting cycle.
The Chairman offered thanks to officers for their continued hard work and support to the Harbour Authority. He also expressed particular thanks to Councillor Latham, who had indicated his intention to stand down, acknowledging his longstanding contribution and commitment to the work of the Board.
Members were advised that the next meeting of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee, scheduled for 12 June, would take place at 2.00 pm rather than in the morning. As a result, the annual familiarisation boat trip traditionally held on the same day would not go ahead, and alternative induction arrangements for new Members were being developed.
RESOLVED:
The River Hamble Harbour Board noted the report.
Closing Remarks
The Marine Director thanked the current cohort of Members for their wisdom, guidance and support over the past year. He commented that it had been a privilege to work with the Board and expressed his appreciation for the constructive engagement shown throughout the meeting cycle.
The Chairman offered thanks to officers for their continued hard work and support to the Harbour Authority. He also expressed particular thanks to Councillor Latham, who had indicated his intention to stand down, acknowledging his longstanding contribution and commitment to the work of the Board.
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