Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 29 June 2026.

The minutes of the last meeting were confirmed and signed.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registerable or non-registrable interest as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

Mark Roberts declared that he held a mooring at West Bay.

Representatives of town or parish councils and members of the public who live, work, or represent an organisation within the Dorset Council area are welcome to submit either 1 question or 1 statement for each meeting.  You are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via MS Teams to read out your question and to receive the response.   If you submit a statement for the committee this will be circulated to all members of the committee in advance of the meeting as a supplement to the agenda and appended to the minutes for the formal record but will not be read out at the meeting. The first 8 questions and the first 8 statements received from members of the public or organisations for each meeting will be accepted on a first come first served basis in accordance with the deadline set out below.  Further information read Public Participation - Dorset Council 

All submissions must be e-mailed in full to [email protected]

by 8.30am on Friday 18 September.

When submitting your question(s) and/or statement(s) please note that:

• You can submit 1 question or 1 statement.
• a question may include a short pre-amble to set the context.
• It must be a single question and any sub-divided questions will not be permitted.
• Each question will consist of no more than 450 words, and you will be given up to 3 minutes to present your question.
• when submitting a question please indicate who the question is for (e.g., the name of the committee or Portfolio Holder) 
• Include your name, address, and contact details.  Only your name will be published but we may need your other details to contact you about your question or statement in advance of the meeting. 
• questions and statements received in line with the council’s rules for public participation will be published as a supplement to the agenda. 
• all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting.   

There were no public questions.

To consider a verbal report by the Chair.

The Chair delivered a verbal update to the Committee. It was reported that over the summer period the Chair had attended the Seafood Festival and the artisan markets in Weymouth and advised that both events had been successful, well organised and well attended. Members noted the positive feedback regarding the events and their contribution to activity within the harbour.

To note the minutes of the Weymouth Harbour Consultative Group.

The Weymouth Harbour Consultative Group (WHCG) minutes of the meeting held on 19 August, were presented by the WHCG Chair.

To receive a verbal report from the Designated Person.

The Designated Person delivered an annual update to the committee. It was explained that four areas of best practice had been identified and two observations were identified for management consideration. It was confirmed that after the latest audit Bridport harbour was fully compliant with the code. The next audit would be carried out in Weymouth in 2027, followed by Lyme Regis in 2028.

One member commented on the high standard of training that had recently been provided to the committee.  

To receive updates from the Harbours Manager and Bridport & Lyme Regis Harbour Master.

The Harbour Master presented an update on operations at Bridport and Lyme Regis Harbours.

At Bridport Harbour, season ticket sales appeared lower than in previous years, although this was attributed to changes in the charging structure. Single launch numbers were also slightly lower, reflecting revised charging arrangements. Despite this, shop sales had exceeded the totals achieved during the previous year.

At Lyme Regis Harbour, season ticket sales had similarly reduced when compared with previous years. However, single launch activity had increased and shop sales had again exceeded previous annual totals. Current mooring occupancy levels remained healthy.

Members were advised that the prolonged period of good weather had supported steady harbour usage throughout the season at both locations.

An update was provided on staffing. Several staffing changes had taken place since the previous meeting and the Harbour Master thanked the outgoing members of staff for their service. All vacant harbour positions had now been successfully filled and staff had completed, or were undertaking, the necessary training programmes.

An update was provided on anti-social behaviour issues. Harbour staff continued to work closely with Dorset Police to address incidents and CCTV cameras had been installed in areas where problems had been identified.

Members also noted the introduction of a mobile fuel service at Bridport Harbour, which enabled petrol and diesel to be supplied directly to customers around the harbour.

In relation to dredging, officers were working with the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management team to secure a dredger for works planned in March.

At Lyme Regis Harbour, a different approach to dredging was being explored. This would involve the use of mini excavators and dumpers to remove material from the pontoon area and return it to the adjacent beach. The works were intended to be carried out in early 2027.

The Committee further noted that representatives from both harbours had attended the Melplash Show.

Officers provided the following responses to members questions:

·       It was confirmed that all risk assessments were up to date following the installation of the fuel pontoon.

·       Following the potential Improvement Notice issued in August, harbour staff would look into whether this could apply to the other two harbours and act accordingly.

·       Scheduled works had been delayed due to difficult accessibility and the option of replacing it was also being explored.

·       It was planned that the kiosk would be open year round.

The Harbour Manager presented an update on Weymouth Harbour operations. The harbour had experienced a busy summer season, with marina occupancy and demand remaining steady throughout the period. Income from visiting vessels was reported to be higher than forecast, with particularly busy weeks balancing quieter periods. Permit revenue from the slipway had also increased. Bridge lifts, vessel movements and harbour transits had all increased, indicating healthy levels of activity. Non-resident fishing vessel visits had reduced, largely due to changes of a single user taking up a permanent berth in Weymouth.

Members received an update on events and visitors. The Seafood Festival had returned to the harbourside and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To provide an engineering update for Weymouth, Bridport and Lyme Regis harbours.

The Service Manager for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) presented the engineering update for the harbours. At Bridport Harbour, dredging works were scheduled to take place during the following year. Harbour inspections had been completed, with only boat-based inspections remaining outstanding. Members were advised that Harbour Wall Works A and B were programmed for delivery during autumn and winter 2026.

At Lyme Regis Harbour, preparations for dredging works planned for the following year were progressing, with the necessary documentation being developed. Inspections had been completed, with the exception of boat-based inspection work, and officers were satisfied with the overall condition of the harbour assets. The void repairs to the Cobb had been completed in June and the next phase of the repairs would eastern side of Victoria Pier and structural investigations of the Southern Arm. An update was also provided on the Lyme Regis Environmental Improvement Scheme Phase 5. All parties continued to be engaged in a collaborative process and work was underway to progress the documentation required to release grant funding.

At Weymouth Harbour, inspections and repair works to Wall 2 were ongoing. Members received an update on the Weymouth Risk Management Scheme Phase 1 and were advised that revised funding guidance had been released. Work continued on the development of the business case, with preparation of the Full Business Case expected to commence in summer 2027.

It was noted that works to Harbour Walls F and G remained on programme and were expected to conclude by October 2026. In relation to Harbour Wall E, localised deterioration had been identified within the sheet pile compound area. A survey of Wall E was being undertaken and, following completion of the survey, a detailed design and replacement scheme would be commissioned.

The Service Manager for FCERM provided the following responses to members questions:

·       The Weymouth Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Scheme Phase 1 had been delayed by at least 12 months, however the construction element of the project was still on target.

·       Funding had been approved for the pre-construction works for the Lyme Regis Cobb, which would be funded through local levy, however this wouldn’t contribute to funding of the construction phase.

The committee noted the FCERM updates.

To consider a report by the Harbour Business Manager.

The Harbours Business Manager presented the budget monitoring report and advised that the overall financial position across the harbours remained healthy.

At Bridport Harbour, the budget position continued to benefit from savings generated by the vacant mechanic post. Members were advised that additional costs had arisen in relation to replacing quayside davits; however, these had been partially offset by a successful fisheries grant funding bid. Income was currently forecast to be below budget. This is partially due to some areas where there has been limited historic data available to make accurate budget predictions

At Lyme Regis Harbour, the budget remained on course to achieve a balanced year-end position. Savings had been realised through lower seasonal staffing costs. Fuel expenditure was currently higher than budgeted, while income from licences remained below target. Members were advised that the availability of more reliable data in future years would support the development of more accurate budgets and forecasts.

It was noted that the forecast surplus for Weymouth Harbour had increased. Marina berthing income was currently below budget, with a shortfall of approximately 1.6%. Visitor berthing income was also lower than anticipated; however, this had been offset by strong performance in other visitor-related income streams. Slipway income continued to perform well, while additional income had been generated through new and existing storage facilities, parking charges and fuel sales. Parking income was reported to be exceeding budget expectations.

Members were advised that expenditure at Weymouth Harbour was forecast to be above budget. This was primarily due to increased staffing costs, higher insurance premiums and parking-related expenditure being revised to reflect the previous year's actual costs. Officers were reviewing areas of higher expenditure and taking action where possible to minimise costs. Despite these financial pressures, Weymouth Harbour remained in a stable financial position.

The committee noted the budget monitoring figures for all three harbours.

To receive a report from the Harbours Manager.

The Harbours Manager presented the report on proposed procurement of dredging services for Bridport harbour. Members were advised that, to provide greater certainty, continuity and value for money, it was proposed that a five-year dredging contract be procured. The Committee was informed that the cumulative value of the contract over the proposed five-year period would exceed the threshold for a key decision and would therefore require approval by Cabinet.

In response to questions from the committee, the Harbours Manager explained that advice had been sought from Legal and Democratic Officers on the precise wording of the recommendation and also that there were financial safeguards in place to protect the councils investment and monitor the work undertaken by the successful contactor.

It was proposed by Cllr Williams and seconded by Cllr Dickenson.

Decision: That the Harbours Advisory Committee recommend that Cabinet:

·       Approves the procurement of a five-year contract for annual maintenance dredging at Bridport (West Bay) Harbour from 2027 to 2031;

·       Approves, as a contingency, the procurement of a single-year contract for the 2027 dredging campaign if it is not practicable to complete the preferred five-year procurement within the required timeframe; and

·       Delegates authority to the Executive Director for Economy & Environment, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Cabinet Member for Place Services, to take all necessary steps to procure and award the contract(s) in accordance with the above approvals.

To consider the Harbours Committee Workplan.

The Harbours Manager presented the forward plan. He noted that a report on the General Directions for Bridport and Lyme Regis would  likely be presented at the December meeting.

In response to questions, it was explained that the removal of pilotage from Bridport was intended to be combined into a single order and be dealt with all at once. He also clarified that a workshop was being setup for members in November and could include a presentation on the Marine Safety Management System updates.

The committee noted the forward plan.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph x of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.

There is no scheduled exempt business for this meeting.

There was no exempt business.