Go to map of Solent Forum boundary.

The Solent Forum is chaired by Professor Mike Clark, Director Geodata Institute

INTRODUCTION: The Solent Forum was established in December 1992, in order to develop a greater understanding among the authorities and agencies involved in planning and management in the Solent area, and to assist and influence them in carrying out their functions. The Forum has been set up to consider and provide advice on strategic issues - that is, issues which have implications for a wide area. The Forum does not have any executive powers and its members have no voting rights. As far as possible the Forum is to operate on an ‘equal partners’ basis.

Aims of the Solent Forum

1. To facilitate more integrated planning and management of the Solent.

2. To assist the agencies and authorities in carrying out their duties.

3. To provide a 'voice' for the Solent.

Objectives of the Solent Forum

1. To provide a broadly based consultative Forum;

2. To raise awareness and understanding;

3. To contribute to policy development, plan making and strategy formulation;

4. To improve the information base;

5. To facilitate better communication, consultation and liaison;

6. To comment on major proposals for development and other changes likely to materially affect the Solent, if the opportunity arises;

7. To promote the national importance of the Solent.

GEOGRAPHICAL AREA: The area covered by the Forum is the whole of the Solent, including Southampton Water and the three main harbours - Portsmouth, Langstone and Chichester. The western limit is a line between the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight and Selsey Bill. No inland boundary is defined, because it will vary according to the nature and importance of the issue under consideration and some matters will have more far reaching effects than others. See map of the Solent Forum boundary.

MEETINGS:The Solent Forum shall meet twice a year and at such other times are deemed necessary. Meetings shall be held at Southampton, Portsmouth and Cowes in rotation.

Our Terms of Reference are being updated during 2004

This page was last updated 23-06-2004