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TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

HARBOUR BOARD MEETING

Town Hall - Bridge Street, , EX39 2HS

Thursday, 9 August 2018 - 10.30 am

PRESENT Councillor Christie, Vice Chair, in the absence of the Chair took the Chair. Councillors J Langton-Lockton, T Johns, A Eastman (substitute for Councillor Whittaker) and D Hurley

Independent Members: Mr N Hardaker and Mr T Gibbs

ALSO PRESENT S Kearney - Planning & Economy Manager P Labistour - Harbour Master S Cawsey - Democratic Services Officer

1 Member of the Public (Mr Renton)

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

13. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Whittaker and Councillor Langmead.

14. MINUTES

It was proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded by Mr T Gibbs and –

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on the 17 May 2018 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

Vote: (For 6, Abstentions 1)

Matters Arising:

Minute No 2 - Minutes

Minute No. 31 - The Group were informed that the Pilot, Captain Paul Brown, had now returned to work following his accident and will look to authorise him in September. 2

Minute 5 - A follow up meeting of the Devon Marine Pioneer Programme had been scheduled to take place on 17 September 2018 at Ilfracombe. Anyone wishing to attend to contact the Harbour Master or Democratic Services.

15. ACTION LIST

The Action List was reviewed and updated.

16. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTIONS

There were no public contributions.

17. AGREEMENT OF AGENDA ITEMS PARTS I AND II

There were no Part II items.

18. URGENT MATTERS OF INFORMATION BROUGHT FORWARD WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN AND THE COMMITEE

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

19. FINANCIAL SUMMARY QUARTER 1- 2018/19

The Planning and Economy Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide Members with a financial summary for the period Quarter 1 (April – June 2018). He confirmed that future statements would include the modifications as requested previously by the Group.

A brief overview of the current financial position, detailed in Appendix 1 attached to the report was given. The deficit figure for the Harbour was noted. The Planning and Economy Manager explained the Harbour was not currently performing well due to limited shipping activity.

Following an enquiry raised by Councillor Christie, the Planning and Economy Manager clarified the position with regard to the contributions received from ND Council for pilotage. He explained that this Authority also pay an amount to ND Council from the income received, and as at this report TDC are in deficit. The Planning and Economy Manager to arrange for someone to attend the next meeting to provide details of the arrangements in place with ND Council.

Councillor Christie mentioned that in the past the Authority received funding for health items (Port Sanitary Authority). The Planning and Economy Manager to make enquiries and if possible provide details.

As requested by the Group a list of the fees and charges for use of the harbour was attached to the report. It was confirmed that these can only be amended by the S151 Officer. The Planning and Economy Manager put forward that this Group review the charges annually. This item to be included on the Agenda for the next meeting. 3

20. BIDEFORD HARBOUR - SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

A meeting to take place next year to review the risk assessments and safety management system between the Harbour Master, Janet Williams and Paul Brown.

There were no accidents to report.

The Group noted this item.

21. PORT AND HARBOUR ACTIVITY - QUARTER 3

The purpose of the report was to update Members on the activities of the Harbour Master and Pilotage movements within the Statutory harbour limits of Bideford Harbour Authority and the Taw Estuary at Yelland.

The Harbour Master reported that Silbeco had indicated they would provide more vessels if the Authority reduced the prices. This was a matter to be reviewed by the Harbour Master who would then liaise with the Planning and Economy Manager and the Strategic Manager (Resources).

The Harbour Master advised the Group of a large shallow patch on the far side of the Torridge bridge in the Estuary. This is an issue for the port of Bideford as it acts to reduce the drafts of vessels coming into the harbour.

In relation to the sampling/dredging of the estuary, the Harbour Master gave an update with regard to licences and costs involved. The Crown Estate had given permission for samples to be taken, but their agents were asking for a fee. A proposal had been made to Boscali that they pay the fee and licence, and if the sand was the right kind for commercial extraction, the Authority would pay for the licence going forward. This is a matter to be discussed and resolved. Full details were given of the work that had been carried out and the processes to be followed. Councillor Christie emphasised the need to make checks in relation to the SSSi.

Appledore Shipyard – the Harbour Master stated that, together with Senior Officers, he would be keen to approach the Shipyard to investigate potential business opportunities. It was agreed he would speak to the Planning and Economy Manager regarding this matter.

Mr Hardaker left the meeting at 11.25am.

22. UPDATE ON BOATS MOORED BEYOND HARBOUR BOUNDARIES

The Harbour Master gave an update on a meeting he had attended with the Planning and Economy Manager and interested stakeholders concerning the houseboats on both the Torridge and districts. 4

Councillor Christie read to the meeting a letter received by Councillor Whittaker from the Leader, North Devon Council regarding the houseboats and mess on the foreshore between Bideford new bridge and (not in the ). The comments within the letter although fairly positive and suggested a joint meeting with the Marine Management Organisation, concerns were raised that unless action is taken the boats would remain for a number of years.

Discussions with the owners of the houseboats was ongoing, no real progress had been made. It was agreed that a further meeting be arranged with the owners.

23. SITUATION WITH REGARD TO HOUSEBOATS

This item was discussed under Agenda item 11.

24. FRESHSPRING

No update was given.

25. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Brunswick Wharf

The Harbour Master had assisted and advised colleagues and houseboat owners, and it had now been arranged the vessels would be moved on the September Spring tides.

Councillor Langton-Lockton asked if the Harbour Master could make contact with Youghal re Brexit and he was of the opinion there may be a common interest in the future.

Councillor Christie asked that consideration be given to the effect of Brexit on ball clay exports and this was discussed.

The meeting commenced at 10.30 am and closed at 11.45am

Chair: Date: