New River Hamble moorings plan

By IBI Magazine / Ed Slack

Hampshire County Council, the harbour authority for the River Hamble in the UK, is asking the public for its views on proposals for a draft moorings plan which seeks to improve the long term management of the River Hamble for the benefit of recreation, navigation and the environment.

The draft plan will be on display at the Southampton Boat Show from September 13 in the Ocean Hall, at the entrance to the show. This is the first in a series of steps which the County Council is taking to ensure that existing moorings holders, local residents and other concerned parties have the chance to comment.

The plan proposes to relocate the existing piled moorings and mooring sites and consolidate the majority into new pontoon systems instead, offering boat owners a 'walk ashore' berth. This would reduce the use of tenders - which are currently used to access the moorings - and create a more clearly defined and unobstructed fairway, reducing the risk of collision. The plan also proposes to create areas of open river to reduce the impact on environmentally sensitive areas, promote safe sailing for all ages and unobstructed views across the river from public footpaths and viewing areas.

The Crown Estate, owner of the river bed and moorings facilities, is committed to the sustainable management of the River and supports the principles of the Council's proposals.

Road shows are being planned to provide interested parties with the opportunity to discuss the plans with representatives from the Harbour Authority. They will visit Hamble, Warsash, Bursledon and Sarisbury Green. The Council will also organise 'surgeries', at which individuals will be given an allotted amount of time to discuss their views on the plans in more detail if required.

Comments on the draft plan are invited by November 4 2002 and all contributions will be considered by the Harbour .

(11 September 2002)