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

An apology for absence was received from External Advisor Mr Blazeby.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 17 December 2019.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Harbour Committee held on 17 December 2018 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider a report that provides an update on the progress of implementing the high and medium recommendations identified by the Port Marine Safety Code compliance audit.

Members noted a report that provided an update on the implementation of the high and medium risk recommendations identified in the Port Marine Safety Code compliance audit.  The Tor Bay Harbour Master informed Members that the majority of recommendations had been implemented with the exception of the Prosecution Policy which will be presented to the Harbour Committee on 18 March 2019.

To consider a report on the above.

The Harbour Committee considered a report that sets out details of a project to install a northern breakwater arm to provide additional capacity for vessels and essential environmental protection for Brixham Harbour.

The Tor Bay Harbour Master advised Members that Brixham’s capacity to accommodate the commercial fishing industry has been reached both ashore and afloat.  This has been exacerbated by the operational loss of the more exposed (north-facing) Fish Quay berths during inclement weather.  Similarly, the associated growth in storage and transport requirements have led to lorries being loaded beyond the Fish Market gates.  Recreational harbour users are eschewing the current swinging mooring arrangements in preference for affordable ‘walk ashore’ pontoon berths.  While demand for vessels berths exists the desirability of the current moorings in Brixham is declining.  The financial consequences are compounded by the rise in maintenance costs to operate this aging infrastructure.

Members were very supportive of the scheme but wished for a detailed business case to be available when the scheme was presented to Council.

Resolved:

i)     That the Harbour Committee fully support the strategic direction presented by the Tor Bay Harbour Master and endorse the proposal to undertake urgent capital works that will improve Brixham Harbour; and

ii)    That the Harbour Committee recommends to Council the clear strategic direction set out in the submitted report and that the Interim Director of Place be requested to prepare a business case for presentation to Council at the earliest feasible opportunity.