Minutes of the Hamble Estuary Partnership Meeting Sailing Club on 4 December 2018

Present: Dr Simon Bray – SB HEP Chairman Alison Fowler - AF HEP Officer John Selby - JSe Royal Yachting Association Paul Hobbs - PH Warsash Residents Association Chloe Smith - CS Southern Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority Paul Tosswell – PT Lymington Technical Services Rachel Wylde – RW Knight Frank (agents for The Crown Estate) Diane Andrewes – DA Parish Council Jeremy Clark - JC Solent Protection Society Lucy Sheffield - LS Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership Ian Underdown - IU Hamble Parish Council Jason Scott - JS River Hamble Harbour Authority Tony Blewett - TB River Hamble Mooring Holders Association Sarah Boyd - SBo Eastleigh Borough Council (Biodiversity) Matilda Evans - ME Marine Management Organisation (Marine Planning) Jacob Kean Hammerson - JKH Blue Marine Foundation Karen McHugh - KM Solent Forum

Apologies were received from the following: John Mitchell for Curdridge Parish Council Michelle Meek River Hamble Country Park Martin Small Heritage England Karima Englefield Solent Recreation & Mitigation Strategy Sandra Unterhollenberg Natural England Kenneth Munro Association of River Hamble Yacht Clubs John Truswell Natural England Peter Taylor Environment Agency

1. Welcome:

All gave introductions and AF listed apologies received.

2. Update since last meeting:

New Chairman:

AF introduced Dr Simon Bray as the new Chairman of the HEP. Simon has a wealth of experience in both local and international coastal and marine environmental management. He holds a position of Visiting Researcher at the University of Southampton and is Director of aquatic research/consultancy AQASS Ltd. His areas of speciality include marine ecology, habitat restoration and management, marine pollution (including plastics), biofouling and antifoul, non-native marine species, and end-of-life of fibreglass boats. Whilst his work takes him across UK, Europe, Far East, and Africa, Simon is local to the Hamble and has sailed and walked around the estuary since childhood.

M27 Motorway Bridge:

AF has received the following update from John Parfitt, Drainage Champion at Kier Highways Services, previously Enterprise Mouchel, which delivers work for Highways England. The HEP and RHHA have been in correspondence with John for over a decade on this issue, and he presented to the HEP in 2015. JP informed AF that the pending M27 J4 to 11 Smart Motorway Project is proposing to divert the bridge deck drainage outlets to the eastern drainage system and provide penstocks to control spills. The scope of the work has been agreed. The developer has proposed to undertake the work. The proposal is now with the project sponsor for determination. This is significant progress and if approved at this final stage we would expect to see it delivered as part of the M27 ‘Smart Motorway Works’ over the next couple of years. If not, it would need to be delivered separately and there is still the intention to drive this forward.

Boorley Green:

AF received notification from Eastleigh Borough Council that Local Area Committee had approved the planning permission variation request to enable the development (outside the estuary but within the catchment) to have the option to have its foul sewage treated by a package works system rather than being connected to the main sewerage network.

Riverview Interactive Map:

AF highlighted that an updated version of the mapping system is now online via RHHA homepage https://www.hants.gov.uk/hambleharbour. It now includes aerial photography as well as several other new layers.

The approved minutes and presentations from the last meeting in June 2018 are available for download for 1 year on the website https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/riverhamble/hambleestuarypartnership. AF had provided a summary paragraph of the last meeting.

ACTION: ALL MEMBERS to continue or improve circulation of HEP minutes and relevant information, including provision of the HEP website link in their own communications.

ACTION: AF to provide a ‘summary of meeting’ paragraph with the notification of minutes being published.

3. Solent Oyster Restoration Project – Jacob Kean Hammerson, Blue Marine Foundation

JKH reintroduced the SORP, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, and explained that 85% of global oyster reefs have been lost through a variety of pressures including overfishing, pollution, dredging, invasive species, habitat loss and disease. He explained the multiple benefits oysters provide in terms of environmental and commercial services.

Within the Hamble to date, the project has installed broodstock cages at 3 marina sites which are releasing juveniles to help reseed the native stock. The next phase, happening now and working with University of Portsmouth and RHHA, is direct seabed restoration where oysters are laid onto protected seabed sanctuary sites in order to increase oyster numbers and promote natural settlement. The Hamble has been chosen as the first location to trial this after seabed surveys found the Hamble to have good quality sediment compared to many other Solent sites. The initial trial is of 30,000 oysters, laid bare onto the seabed at three different densities, each one at three different sites.

Monitoring will consist of a before/after comparison over the 6 months, oyster ‘strings’ laid across each bed site to assess growth and mortality, ongoing water quality monitoring with a Sonde, and re- grab sample will look at biotope change. Pending no negative impacts from the results, the intention is to scale this to up to a million oysters later in 2019.

Follow the story at Twitter: @solentnative. Instagram: solentoyster. Facebook: /SolentOysterRestorationProject

Presentation available for download for 1 year on the website https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/riverhamble/hambleestuarypartnership.

4 Implementation of the South Marine Plan – Mathilda Evans, Marine Management Organisation

ME set out the background and benefits of marine planning (a topic on which HEP members have been throughout its development by various MMO officers). The South Inshore & Offshore Marine Plan was adopted in July 2018. The East Plan was adopted in 2014, and the Plans for the NE, SE, SW, NW will be developed concurrently. ME highlighted the various documents associated with eh South marine Plan, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-south-marine-plans- documents. It is a legal requirement for marine plans to be considered in all decisions that affect England's marine area. Decisions that take account of marine plans have a reduced risk of legal challenge, are informed by the best available evidence, and are considered against wider context,

both on land and at sea. Application of marine plans will be principally through decisions made by public authorities. Authorisation or enforcement decisions must be “in accordance with” the relevant marine planning documents - S.58(1) or reasons why not stated (S.58(2). A public authority must ‘have regard’ to marine plans in taking any decision which relates to the exercise of any function capable of affecting the UK marine area (S.58(3). For applicants, use and application is broadly the same as land-based plans, and applicants should consider marine plan policies at the pre-application stage.

ME explained the Marine Information System at http://mis.marinemanagement.org.uk and encouraged members to view the tutorial at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYqmraGTH1U.

ME explained how the monitoring of marine plans would be approached using cause and effect models, data and surveys. There are several ways members can get involved, including signing up to the Marine Planning newsletter at https://www.us10.list- manage.com/subscribe?u=ab1c7ee88ca09c8ad43de6922&id=26c2e6fa5b or contacting the local officers [email protected] or [email protected]

Presentation available for download for 1 year on the website https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/riverhamble/hambleestuarypartnership.

5. Planning & Development - All No specific new cases raised.

8. HEP Partners’ Updates - HEP Members

Royal Yachting Association: JSe urged other organisations to join the RYA by also writing to the Police & Crime Commissioner raising concern about the proposed closure of the Marine Police Unit.

Warsash Residents Association: WRA has ongoing concerns about the impact of the proposed 20% increase in dwellings, plus redevelopment of the Maritime College site, along with concerns relating to lack of open spaces and frustration with a perceived uncoordinated approach. These concerns have now prompted consideration of the creation of a Neighbourhood Forum, the purpose of which is to draft a Regulation 16 Neighbourhood Plan to enable a local input to the planning process. This is similar to a Vision which is produced by parish councils where these exist (none do within Fareham Borough Council’s jurisdiction). have so already. Under the Localism Act 2011, once a Plan has been adopted (takes 2 to 5 years) it should be taken account of by the Local Planning Authority. PH confirmed that FBC had welcomed this approach.

Southern Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority: CS updated on the following: (i) Southern IFCA Netting Consultation closes on 7 December. (ii) The planned Solent Dredge Permit Byelaw is under formal internal discussion and a formal consultation will follow. (iii) Southern IFCA have worked with local fisherman on oyster translocation just outside the harbour. Oysters were collected from Chilling/Hill Head and distributed throughout the Blue Marine’s oyster cage network. (iv) Bait Digging: Southern IFCA are engaged at national level with IFCAs, NE, DEFRA looking at how the different organisations can work together to assess bait digging and is awaiting the outcome of the national level engagement process in order to inform future direction with regard to management. (v) Oyster and Clam fishery in the Solent opened 1st Nov. Again, temporary shellfish bed closure applied to Southampton Water, Langstone and Wider Solent excluding Portsmouth and Ryde middle. Ryde middle not currently classified. Southern IFCA have been engaging in active patrols of these fisheries throughout the district.

Solent Forum: KM updated the group. (i) Jason Scott has taken on the role of Chairman of the Solent European Marine Sites (SEMS) Management Scheme. Kate Chesman is the new SEMS Officer. The SEMS Annual Monitoring report was published in November. The Natural Environment Group (NEG) met in November to discuss actions arising from the SEMS management plan. (ii) The Forum held a members’ workshop on coastal funding streams on 7 November, that discussed developing projects to make a successful bid to the Coastal Communities Fund (which funds projects over £50,000 that will ultimately lead to regeneration and economic growth). The findings, presentations and other resources have been uploaded to http://www.solentforum.org/services/Member_Services/Coastal_Funding_Streams/ (iii) On 10

October, the Forum held a workshop in partnership with the MMO on stakeholder engagement for the South Marine Plans. The findings have been uploaded to http://www.solentforum.org/services/Current_Projects/MMO_ESE/. The Forum has funding for two more of pieces of work to do on this project in spring and autumn of next year. (iv) On behalf of the Environment Agency, the Forum is completing the work on identifying structures around Southampton Water that could be used as WFD mitigation measures. This work was piloted on the River Hamble in 2017. We will be consulting on the New Forest, East and Test and Itchen catchments. More information is available at: http://www.solentforum.org/services/Current_Projects/oppmap/. (v) Solent Forum members have expressed an interest in the Forum developing an information hub for work on natural capital and ecological enhancement that is of increasing interest in the Solent. A meeting is scheduled for the end of December to discuss this further. (vi) A Successful bid to the EA means that phase 2 of the Beneficial Reuse of Dredgings in the Solent (BUDS) Project will start in early 2019.

In response to IU seeking an update on members’ input to the Hamble pilot in point (iv), AF referred to the work of the sub group as updated at http://documents.hants.gov.uk/Hamble/HambleEstuaryPartnershipPartnerUpdatesAutumn2017.pdf) and that these measures are still under discussion, the latest of which was introduced at the June 2018 HEP meeting.

Bursledon Parish Council: DA stated that as a result of a review into parish boundaries, BPC had proposed that the northern boundary of BPC be redrawn so that the section of the river coastline between the M27 bridge and River Hamble Country Park would no longer be within BPC, but in Hedge End. Also, Hamble Parish Council had acquired land that was part of Hound Parish Council, which would lose its river frontage as the result.

ACTION: AF to invite Hedge End PC to join the HEP.

BROWAPG – DA reported that the group had raised a complaint about the failure by EBC to follow the guidelines of the Local Government Boundary Commission England and the Minister of State for Local Government, which required consultation and community involvement on the matter of parish boundary reviews. The complaint was ongoing, since new residents only in the Pylands Lane developments had been informed about the proposals for change. The group had also commented on the EBC Local Plan marine policies and had sought EBC support for the extension of the England Coast Path to Bursledon Bridge. Tim Ferrero of the Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust had given a sparkling visual presentation about Marine Wildlife at the group’s AGM, and DA thanked the HEP for providing the network through which this contact was made.

Post meeting note: SBo referred to EBC colleagues who explained that all residents in the areas that were proposed to move were consulted, and that Bursledon PC and Hedge End TC agreed to the transfer of land north of the M27. The land north of the M27 is moving to HETC but it will remain part of the Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice & Hound (BHH) Local Area Committee.

Solent Protection Society: JC stated that the SPS will be responding to the MMO consultation on Marine Licence exemptions, with particular reference to seeking clarification of that relating to the defouling of lightly fouled vessels if undertaking work from the intertidal maintenance piles.

Hamble Parish Council: IU highlighted the incidents of antisocial behaviour that took place at Hamble jetty over the summer, and the resulting Dispersal Order issued by the police. The HPC Clerk is in ongoing liaison with JS and police regarding this. HPC will be asking residents in the new year if they wish to have a Neighbourhood Plan.

River Hamble Mooring Holders Association: TB referenced incidents of bait digging and ongoing concern. CS referred to point (iv) of her update and the ongoing efforts by IFCAs and others. AF reiterated that reporting activity to RHHA remains helpful for compiling the data set given to SIFCA.

Eastleigh Borough Council: SBo said that EBC’s Local Plan has now been sent to the Planning Inspector. The hearing is expected to be summer 2019.

River Hamble Harbour Authority: AF reported on the work RHHA undertook over the summer in response to antisocial behaviour on the river, especially at Hamble Quay. JS will be continuing liaison

with HPC in the New Year as part of combined effort. The Oil Spill Plan has been revalidated and approved by the MCA. RHHA had successful audits for both the Port Marine Safety Code and the Port Waste Management Plan. RHHA has been support the work of the oyster restoration project, as well as many other projects including SeaView and BUDS (see Solent Forum update above). All RHHA reports and updates for the Harbuor Board, along with the meeting minutes, are available via the website.

The following updates were submitted in writing and read out by AF on behalf of those organisations unable to attend or leaving early:

Natural England: England Coast Path (ECP) update - Work is continuing on the Calshot to Gosport (CCG) stretch of the ECP. Much of this stretch is aligned over existing rights of way, so in part is less complex to find options for alignment. NE are still in the consultation stage and continuing consultation with the Hants CC and other key stakeholders and land owners. NE has an indicative route and will write to landowners and other stakeholders soon. Should any members wish to contact NE ECP team please contact [email protected]

Bird Aware Solent: This winter the ranger team has 6 rangers, meaning more regular site visits to try and reduce bird disturbance than during previous winters. During October they made 15 visits to the Hamble Estuary totalling more than 37 hours of public engagement. During this time they spoke to 269 People raising awareness of overwintering shorebirds and the impact of disturbance on them. This winter disturbance monitoring at Bunny Meadows will be carried out by a consultancy to monitor how much bird disturbance is taking place both with and without a Bird Aware ranger patrolling the site. Bird Aware Solent are in the process of beginning recruitment work for a 'Dog Initiatives Lead' to drive forward the outreach work with the dog walking community. All public events are listed on the website www.birdaware.org/events please let Karima know if there are any events in your area which may be useful for us to attend in order to raise public awareness of the sensitivity of the wildlife on the Hamble Estuary and encourage responsible visitor access.

9. Date of next meeting

TBC – likely June 2019.

10. AOB

JC explained that polystyrene from broken pontoon floats is an issue in the River. He asked if RHHA was in a position to investigate or have control of this issue. He queried whether the specification of new floats is sufficient, and whether authorities such as RHHA can inspect the floats and take any action to prevent or reduce the pollution. PT explained that the issues arises when the casing, usually fibre reinforced concrete, cracks. This happens over time, via an impact, or might even happen as early as delivery and installation if puncturing occurs during loading. PT explained other pontoon outer casings are available in steel (very expensive) or polyethylene. Some floats use polyurethane as fill instead of polystyrene. AF explained RHHA, and other regulators, have certain legislative controls, but options for control would need looking into in relation to this issue. This extends beyond the Hamble, and links well with the wider concern over marine derived litter.

ACTION: AF to look further into the issue and at the potential for alternatives and controls.