Agenda item

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services summarising recent environmental management of the Harbour.

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services with an update on environmental matters.

It was confirmed that there had been discussions held with all marinas and yards to confirm that the Harbour has sufficient waste facilities in line with merchant shipping port waste legislation, and the review of the Hamble Port Waste Management Plan had been approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The Committee received an update on the seawall repair around the Harbour Office and it was confirmed that planning permission had been granted. It was expected that the Marine Licence would come through from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) in the next few weeks. Members heard that the Environment Agency application was also underway.

It was noted that a biodiversity net gains reports had been created on barren surfaces like seawalls.

A water quality workshop had been held which had received a positive response with strong local engagement. It was stated that there was strong support from interested groups for improved waste facilities for dealing with “Black waste” from vessels into the water. Members heard that the pump out at the Harbour Authority was also being replaced and was progressing.

A question was asked regarding section 6 of the report on what the expected outcome for unpermitted developments was going to be based on actions taking place. In reply, it was noted that different authorities were involved and would react in different ways. With planning authorities, it would depend if there had been a breach of planning policy. It was confirmed that discussions with these various authorities was ongoing.

A question was raised regarding related to nitrate monitoring and whether this was taking place and asked if a drop had taken place since Natural England had raised it as an issue. Members also queried whether MPs were providing any insights or help in the environment Bill’s passage. In reply, it was confirmed that Harbour Authority does not monitor nitrates as that is role of a different authority. Regarding MPs, it was confirmed that MPs were providing support and that this support had been helpful including correspondence at senior level.

In regard to a question regarding what was happening to funding previously allocated to M27 drainage pipe project, it was noted that Highway England had re-released funds back to budget pot to be used for other projects. A new round of funding would thus be required. Frustration was expressed by several members that M27 drainage issue was still ongoing despite being an ongoing concern for many years and that the works to resolve the issue had been delayed.

RESOLVED:

i)             That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee recommends that the Chairman of the River Hamble Harbour Board writes in the strongest terms to Highways England, and also to the Members of Parliament for Eastleigh, for Fareham and for Meon Valley strongly urging for their support in bringing about improvements to the M27 bridge drainage.

ii)            That the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee notes the content of the report.