Hampshire County Council have concluded an agreement whereby they will lease the bed of the River Hamble at a peppercorn rent. This move has avoided the need to renew existing leases that expired on 31 December last year according to expensive Government Capital Scoring rules.

HCC will act as the manager of individual moorings on behalf of Crown estates and receive a management fee for this work.

Council leader Ken Thornber said, “The County Council and the Crown Estates have enjoyed a good relationship for years and I am glad we have drawn negotiations to such a positive conclusion. We are both working to improve the River Hamble that would make it more attractive to its users. “I am delighted that we have been able to find a solution that allows Hampshire County Council to maintain its interest in the River Hamble and continue with our strategic policies of enhancing the important coastal environment of Hampshire.”