To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Dudley and External Advisor Mr Day.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 21 March 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Harbour Committee held on 21 March 2022 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairwoman.

To note the Harbour Committee’s Terms of Reference.

The Committee noted the current Terms of Reference for the Harbour Committee.

To appoint two External Advisors to the Harbour Asset Review Working Party.

This item was deferred until the Harbour Committee on 26 September 2022.

To appoint two External Advisors to the Harbour Budget Review Working Party.

This item was deferred until the Harbour Committee on 26 September 2022.

To appoint an external advisor to the Pilotage Review Working Party.

This item was deferred until the Harbour Committee on 26 September 2022.

For Members to note a verbal report on the latest accident statistics for the Harbour Authority’s operational area.

The Tor Bay Harbour Master provided details of the response to the yacht fire, that occurred on 28 May 2022, in Torquay Marina.  Members were advised that the Police investigation was ongoing, and insurers had been engaged.

Members were made aware that several years ago the Fire Authority had been requested to consider a fire boat for Torbay, a request that was not fulfilled which was a concern given the size of the fleet at Brixham and the increase in maritime leisure activities.  Members also expressed their gratitude to the Harbour Master and the whole Harbour Team for their efforts in dealing with the incident whilst also managing the preparations for the English Riviera Airshow.

To consider a report on the above.

The Harbour Committee considered the submitted report that sought expansion of port infrastructure to develop commercial fishing capacity at Brixham Harbour via a bid into the Levelling Up Round 2 fund.

The Torbay Harbour Master advised that learning from Round 1 stakeholders had been engaged and a revised option (Option B) had been developed.  Members were also informed the Option B enabled modular improvements that would also ensure Brixham Harbour is able to future proof as capacity becomes an issue.

Resolved:

1.      That the Harbour Committee approve plans to develop commercial fishing capacity at Brixham Harbour, as set out in Appendix 2 (Plan B), in line with the strategic vision set out in the ‘Tor Bay Harbour Port Masterplan’.

2.      That the Harbour Committee recommends to Cabinet the expansion of port infrastructure to develop commercial fishing capacity at Brixham Harbour, as set out in Appendix 2 (Plan B), and that the Council submit a bid into the Levelling Up Round 2 fund, in support of this outcome.

To consider a report on the above.

The Harbour Committee considered a report that provided Members with the details of the Tor Bay Harbour Authority final expenditure and income figures against budget targets for 2021/22.

Resolved:

That

1.      the final outturn as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be noted; and

2.      the Harbour Master’s use of delegated powers to waive certain harbour charges during 2021/22 which amounts to £1,893.19 be noted.