CONSULTATIVE AND LIAISON BODIES WITHIN THE SOLENT

This section gives details of the main consultative and liaison bodies within the Solent. These bodies have an important and continuing role in ensuring effective integrated planning and management of the Solent. They are listed in alphabetical order in the table below, which illustrates their main areas of interest.

Key

NC - nature conservation, L - landscapes, HMA - historic heritage and maritime archaeology, PS - ports and shipping, A - aggregates, OG - oil and gas, RT - recreation and tourism, ND - naval base and defence interests, F - fisheries, MI - marine industries, T - transportation, CP - coast protection and flood defence, EQ - environmental quality, S - safety, EP - emergency planning.

Chichester Harbour Advisory Committee

Function: Established by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Act, 1971, the Chichester Harbour Advisory Committee (CHAC) is a statutory body which acts as the consultative body for the Chichester Harbour Conservancy (CHC). CHC are required to consult CHAC on all matters substantially affecting the amenity areas, maintenance, management and improvement of the harbour, including proposals to:

• grant works or dredging licences;
• vary impose or vary rates and charges;
• change navigation marks, lights or channels;
• make bye-laws; and
• take into consideration matters referred to them by the Advisory Committee.

Membership:

• Royal Yachting Association (1)
• Chichester Harbour Federation (4)
• Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee (1)
• Emsworth Harbour Fishermen’s Federation (1)
• English Nature (1)
• Countryside Commission (1)
• Sports Council (1)
• Chichester District Association of Parish Councils (1)
• British Marine Industries Federation (1)
• Residents (outside of Chichester District parishes) (1)
• Amateur Fishing Interests (1)
• Naturalists (1)
• Wildfowlers (1)
• Other Interests, as determined by the Conservancy (2)

Formal terms of Reference: The purpose of the Advisory Committee is defined in the Act.

Frequency of meetings: Normally before every meeting of CHC.

Chaired by: CHAC nominate a chairman from within their membership.

Secretariat: West Sussex County Council.

Agenda set by: CHAC meetings follow the same agenda as the following CHC meeting.

Minutes on public record: Yes

Attendance by external bodies: Yes, meetings are held in public.

Keyhaven River Consultative Committee

Function: To consider and make recommendations as to the management, control and conservation of the Keyhaven river and its environs including, as appropriate, the provision of facilities for users. It is an executive committee of the New Forest District Council.

Membership:

• New Forest District Council (8 representatives)
• Hurst Castle Sailing Club
• Keyhaven Yacht Club
• Keyhaven Fishermans Association
• Milford on Sea Parish Council (2 representatives)
• Commercial Users of Keyhaven River
• Hurst Castle Ferry and Cruises

Formal terms of Reference: Yes.

Frequency of meetings: Quarterly.

Chaired by: The committee elect their own chairman.

Secretariat: New Forest District Council

Agenda set by: NFDC, in consultation with the membership.

Minutes on public record: Yes

Attendance by external bodies: Yes, meetings are held in public.

Langstone Harbour Advisory Committee

Function: The Committee must normally be consulted by the Langstone Harbour Board on any matter substantially affecting the management of the Harbour and its navigation. The Board must consult on rates, charges, dredging, moorings, changing navigation marks and proposed bye-laws. The Board must also consider any matter relating to Harbour management referred to it by the Committee. The Committee appoints 2 voting members to the Langstone Harbour Board.

Membership:

• Portsmouth and Langstone Sailing Association (4 members)
• Royal Yachting Association (1 member)
• English Nature (1 member)
• Hampshire Wildlife Trust (1 member)
• Langstone and District Wildfowlers and Conservancy Association (1 member)
• Portsmouth and District Natural History Society (1 member)
• Local Sea Fisheries Committee of Southern Sea Fisheries District (1 member)
• Langstone Harbour Fisherman’s Association (1 member)

Up to 5 additional members may be nominated to the Advisory Committee by the Harbour Board with the agreement of the Committee. The co-opted members are currently:

• British Sub-Aqua Club
• British Water Ski Federation
• Commercial Interests in the Harbour (other than fishing) - currently aggregates
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
• One vacancy

Formal terms of Reference: Yes, set out in the Langstone Harbour Order, 1962, revised in 1985.

Frequency of meetings: Quarterly, in advance of the meetings of the Harbour Board.

Chaired by: Chairman nominated from within the membership, by the Advisory Committee.

Secretariat: The Committee has its own Secretary, whose expenses are met by the Harbour Board.

Agenda set by: Agenda follows that for the meetings of Langstone Harbour Board.

Minutes on public record: Yes

Attendance by external bodies: Observers may be invited.

Lymington Coastal Area Joint Management Committee

Lymington Coastal Area Advisory Panel

Function:

Joint Management Committee: (a sub-committee of Hampshire County Council Recreation Committee): To manage the County owned land between Hurst Spit, Keyhaven and the Lymington River. To make recommendations to the County Council on any policy issues arising.

Advisory Panel: To report and make recommendations to the Lymington Coastal Area Joint Management Committee (LCAJMC) on issues relating to the coastal area.

Membership:

• Hampshire County Council
• New Forest District Council
• Ramblers Association
• Council for the Protection of Rural England
• Lymington and District Sea Fishing Club
• English Nature
• Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
• Lymington and Keyhaven Wildfowlers Association
• Local Landowners*
• Norleywood and District Society*
• Keyhaven Yacht Club*
• Lymington Society*
• Hampshire Field Club*
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds*
• Crown Estates Commissioners*
• MAFF*
• The Protection of Small Streams and Ponds*
• Lymington Town Sailing Club*
• South Hampshire Wildfowlers Association*
• Lymington and District Wildfowlers and Marsh Users Association*
• Royal Lymington Yacht Club*

* Advisory Committee only

Formal terms of Reference: The terms of reference are set out within those for Hampshire County Council Recreation Committee.

Frequency of meetings: Quarterly, the Advisory Panel normally meets immediately before the Management Committee.

Chaired by: Chairman is elected by the Management Committee, also chairs Advisory Panel.

Secretariat: Hampshire County Council.

Agenda set by: The agenda for panel normally follows that for the LCAJMC.

Minutes on public record: Yes

Attendance by external bodies: Yes, meetings are held in public.

New Forest (Waterside) Environmental Protection Liaison Committee

Function: To provide a mechanism for New Forest District Council to consult and provide information on aerial and related pollution issues. To assist the prevention of aerial and other pollution through establishing liaison between industry, regulatory authorities, local councils and the public on environmental activities associated with industry.

Membership:

• New Forest District Council (3 members (Councillors))
• Marchwood Parish Council (2 members)
• Fawley Parish Council (2 members)
• Hythe and Dibden Parish Council (2 members)
• Enichem Elastomers Ltd
• Rechem International Ltd
• Hampshire Waste Services
• International Speciality Chemicals Ltd
• Nalco/Exxon
• National Power (Fawley)
• AEP Hampshire Ltd
• Environment Agency
• Hampshire County Council
• New Forest Friends of the Earth (observer).

Formal terms of Reference: Yes.

Frequency of meetings: At least quarterly.

Chaired by: Chair and vice-chair are elected from within the membership annually.

Secretariat: Provided by New Forest District Council.

Agenda set by: NFDC, in consultation with the members.

Minutes on public record: Yes

Attendance by external bodies: Meetings are held in public, and are preceded by a public participation session. External speakers may be allowed by invitation only.

Notes: For further information contact Annie Righton, NFDC on 01703 285594.

Portsmouth City Council Water Safety Committee

Function: To provide an informal consultative committee between Portsmouth City Council and the various organisations in the City interested in water safety. The committee’s main role is to monitor and review water safety issues on the seafront of Portsmouth, and provide a forum to address any problems and co-ordinate policy. The committee is non-executive, but may make recommendations for zoning etc to the appropriate committee of the City Council.

Membership: PCC Leisure Committee appoints two elected members. Outside membership includes QHM, Coastguard, St Johns Ambulance, Lifeguards, Police, Ambulance Service.

Formal terms of Reference: Yes.

Frequency of meetings: Twice per year, usually in October and March .

Chaired by: Chaired by Vice-chair of PCC Leisure Committee.

Secretariat: Portsmouth City Council.

Agenda set by: Committee clerk seeks items from membership. A number of routine items are discussed such as Lifeguards and Safety Equipment.

Minutes on public record: Yes, reported to PCC Leisure Committee.

Attendance by external bodies: Yes, meetings are held in public.

Notes: For further information contact John Briggs, PCC Leisure on 01705 828118.

Portsmouth Harbour Information Exchange Group

Function: This group is co-ordinated by the Queen’s Harbour Master, Portsmouth (QHM), and exists to provide liaison, communication and consultation between the managers and user groups within Portsmouth Harbour over the harbour management.

Membership:

• Queens Harbour Master
• MOD Police
• Hampshire Constabulary
• Portsmouth Commercial Port
• Portsmouth City Council, Leisure Dept.
• Gosport Borough Council, Leisure Dept.
• HM Coastguard
• Portsmouth and Langstone Sailing Association
• Wightlink
• Portsmouth Harbour Conservation Group
• Gosport Ferry
• Commercial Fishermans Representative
• Marinas Representative
• Tug Operators Representative

Formal terms of Reference: No.

Frequency of meetings: Quarterly.

Chaired by: QHM

Secretariat: QHM

Agenda set by: QHM, based on items requested by group members.

Minutes on public record: Minutes are available on request from QHM

Attendance by external bodies: Requests to attend meetings should be forwarded to QHM.

Notes: The draft Portsmouth Harbour Plan suggests that PHIEG should take on a role in monitoring the implementation of the Plan.

Solent Area Sailing Advisory Committee

Function: SASAC was established by the Solent Cruising and Racing Association in 1962 to maintain a close liaison between the commercial and leisure users of the Solent. It functions as a trouble-shooter committee, discussing any problems which have occurred. The Committee helps achieve liaison over major events within the Solent.

Membership:

• Solent Cruising and Racing Association (President, Hon Secretary, 3 other members)
• Queen’s Harbour Master
• Harbour Master, Cowes
• Harbour Master, River Hamble
• Harbour Master, Southampton
• Southampton Shipowners Association
• Portsmouth Commercial Port
• Southampton Water Sailing Association

Formal terms of Reference: Yes.

Frequency of meetings: Once a year.

Chaired by: President, SCRA

Secretariat: SCRA

Agenda set by: Hon. Secretary, SCRA in response to items raised by members.

Minutes taken: Yes

Minutes on public record: Minutes held by SCRA, contact Hon. Secretary for information.

Attendance by external bodies: By prior agreement with the Committee.

Notes: Further information from Captain D J Bradby RN, Hon Sec SCRA on 01983 295744.

Solent District Search and Rescue Committee

Function: This is a technical grouping which provides for liaison and co-ordination between the main search and rescue organisations within the Solent, and addresses issues related to search and rescue operations and resources.

Membership:

• Coastguard
• Hampshire Constabulary
• Queens Harbour Master
• Associated British Ports
• Cowes Harbour Commissioners
• Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners
• Hampshire Fire Service
• Isle of Wight Fire Service
• Ambulance Service
• Hampshire County Council Emergency Planning Officer
• Isle of Wight Emergency Planning Officer
• Royal Yachting Association
• RNLI
• Solent Search and Rescue Organisation

Formal terms of Reference: Terms of reference for Search and Rescue Committees have been established nationally by HM Coastguard and the Police Service.

Frequency of meetings: Twice annually.

Chaired by: Alternately by the Coastguard and Hampshire Constabulary.

Secretariat: HM Coastguard, Solent.

Agenda set by: HM Coastguard, based on items forwarded by the membership.

Minutes taken: Yes

Attendance by external bodies: This is not normal practice, but may be appropriate in some circumstances. Requests should be made to HM Coastguard.

Solent Forum

Function: The Solent Forum was established in December 1992, 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 operates on an ‘equal partners’ basis.

The objectives of the Forum are:

• to provide a broadly-based consultative forum;
• to raise awareness and understanding;
• to contribute to policy development, plan making and strategy formulation;
• to improve the information base;
• to facilitate better communication, consultation and liaison;
• to comment on major proposals for development and other changes likely to materially affect the Solent, if the opportunity arises; and
• to promote the national importance of the Solent.

Membership: Over 50 organisations, including the main statutory and non-statutory organisations within the Solent, and representatives of academic, private and voluntary sector interests.

Formal terms of Reference: Yes.

Frequency of meetings: Twice annually.

Chaired by: Maldwin Drummond, OBE, JP, DL, Dsc (Hon).

Secretariat: Solent Forum Officer, based at Hampshire County Council.

Agenda set by: Solent Project Officer, in consultation with membership.

Minutes on public record: Yes.

Attendance by external bodies: Welcome, by prior agreement or invitation.

Solent Pilotage Co-ordination Committee

Function: This is a committee of the pilotage authorities within the Solent, which provides a forum for addressing policy issues relating to safety of navigation and pilotage within the Solent, and discussing incidents, events and procedures.

Membership:

• Portsmouth Commercial Port
• Queens Harbour Master (QHM)
• Cowes Harbour Commissioners
• Associated British Ports

Formal terms of Reference: No.

Frequency of meetings: Every two months.

Chaired by: Alternates between the members.

Secretariat: QHM.

Agenda set by: QHM calls for items. Matters are not generally raised by external bodies, however operational problems could be referred to the pilotage committee for resolution.

Minutes on public record: No.

Attendance by external bodies: No.

Solent Shorebird Study Group

Function: This is a voluntary group of the main bird conservation organisations within the Solent area, which aims to improve the understanding of shorebirds, promote further research and co-ordinate and distribute information.

Membership:

• Farlington Ringing Group
• Hampshire Wildlife Trust
• Hampshire County Council
• English Nature
• RSPB
• British Trust for Ornithology
• Chichester Harbour Conservancy
• West Sussex County Council
• Hampshire Ornithological Society

Formal terms of Reference: The group has written aims and objectives. Its aims are to study the shorebirds of the Solent, and to further their conservation. The objectives are to:

• prioritise and undertake research and monitoring
• co-ordinate and collate information
• make information available through a newsletter
• organise occasional social events
• work with other organisations as appropriate.

Frequency of meetings: Approximately quarterly

Chaired by: Currently by Peter Potts, Farlington Ringing Group

Secretariat: Voluntary.

Agenda set by: Voluntary.

Minutes on public record: Yes.

Attendance by external bodies: Yes, subject to agreement within the group.

Solent Water Quality Association

Function: This is a local-authority led organisation which aims to support and complement the work of local authorities, the Environment Agency and other agencies in protecting and improving the quality of recreational waters. Its aims are:

• to campaign for the introduction and improvement of effective environmental standards applicable to all waters of the Solent including river estuaries and harbours;
• to receive the results of monitoring and consider the water quality in the Solent, and to make recommendations where appropriate;
• to establish liaison with the Environment Agency and Southern Water on a regional basis concerning water quality in the Solent;
• to consider the problems surrounding recreational use of the Solent, the environmental impact of effluent and sludge discharges and the effects on animal and plant life.

Membership: Full membership is available to the District Councils of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Chichester and Arun District Councils, Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Isle of Wight Council and Hampshire County Council.

Associate membership is available to Harbour Authorities, English Nature and other organisations co-opted by the conference.

Formal terms of Reference: Yes, as above.

Frequency of meetings: Annual standing conference, supported by an Officers’ Working Group which normally meets on a quarterly basis. Sub groups are established for particular purposes, such as the administration of the Solent Water Quality Awards.

Chaired by: The conference Chairman rotates annually.

Secretariat: Southampton City Council, Environmental Health Department.

Agenda set by: Secretariat in response to items from the membership.

Minutes on public record: Yes.

Attendance by external bodies: Yes, by agreement with the group. The conference is open to the public.

Notes: SWQC co-ordinates the Solent Water Quality Award scheme, which was established in 1992. They have also co-ordinated research on a number of water quality topics, including a survey or Marine Litter within the Solent in 1996.

Solent and Southern Harbourmaster’s Association

Function: To provide a forum for information exchange over matters of concern to harbour masters.

Membership: Membership is available to statutory harbour masters between Weymouth and Littlehampton. All of the statutory harbours within the Solent are represented..

Formal terms of Reference: There is a formal constitution.

Frequency of meetings: Twice annually.

Chaired by: Elected chairman from within the membership, which changes annually.

Secretariat: Provided by Associated British Ports.

Agenda set by: Secretary, on the basis of a call for items from the membership.

Minutes on public record: No

Attendance by external bodies: No.

Notes: Links are maintained with the South West Ports Association, the UK Harbour Masters Association and the international association.

Southampton Port Consultative Committee

Function: To provide for consultation and liaison over activity and development associated with the Port of Southampton.

Membership: This committee is convened by Associated British Ports, and membership is determined by ABP, in discussion with the membership of the committee. Membership is as follows:

• Associated British Ports
• Hampshire County Council
• New Forest District Council
• Southampton City Council
• Southampton Chamber of Commerce
• Marine Safety Agency
• British Industrial Freight Association
• Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
• PD Wharfage Ltd
• Southampton Shipowners Association
• Southampton Container Terminals Ltd
• Customs & Excise
• Hants & Dorset Timber Trade Association
• Freightliner

Formal terms of Reference: No.

Frequency of meetings: Quarterly.

Chaired by: Associated British Ports, Port Manager.

Secretariat: Associated British Ports.

Agenda set by: Standard Agenda.

Minutes on public record: Yes.

Attendance by external bodies: Not normally.

Southampton Water Recreation Users Group

Function: To provide for co-ordination, consultation and liaison over recreational activities within Southampton Water, between Associated British Ports, local authorities and the users groups.

Membership: This group is convened by Associated British Ports. Membership is by invitation of ABP, in consultation with the other members of SWRUG. The membership is as follows:

• Associated British Ports
• City of Southampton Rowing Association
• Southampton City Council
• Hampshire County Council
• Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit
• British Water-ski Federation
• Test Water-ski Association
• Calshot Oyster Fishermen Ltd
• Southampton Water Sailing Association
• Town Quay Marina
• Marina Developments Ltd
• Solent Cruising and Racing Association
• Royal Southern Yacht Club
• Itchen Waterfront Association
• Royal Yachting Association
• New Forest District Council
• Southampton International Boat Show
• RYA Windsurfing
• Hampshire Wildlife Trust
• English Nature

Formal terms of Reference: A statement of objectives exists.

Frequency of meetings: Twice annually.

Chaired by: Associated British Ports, Harbour Master.

Secretariat: Associated British Ports.

Agenda set by: ABP in response to items from the members.

Minutes on public record: Yes.

Attendance by external bodies: Yes, by arrangement with ABP.

South and South West District Marine Safety Committee

Function: The DMSC is one of a number of similar committees nationally, convened by the Marine Safety Agency. For maritime activities its terms of reference relate to preventative aspects of marine and water safety and of pollution control. The South and South West DMSC covers the south coast from Cornwall to Chichester.

Membership:

• ARC Marine
• Associated British Ports
• Cornwall County Council
• Devon Fire and Rescue Service
• Dorset County Council
• Dorset Police
• Environment Agency
• Hampshire County Council
• Health and Safety Executive
• HM Coastguard
• Isle of Wight Council
• P&O European Ferries
• Royal Yachting Association
• Sea Safety Group
• South Coast Passenger Association
• South West Ports Association
• West Devon Borough Council

Formal terms of Reference: Yes, set nationally.

Frequency of meetings: At least annually, and more frequently if required.

Chaired by: Marine Safety Agency.

Secretariat: Marine Safety Agency.

Agenda set by: MSA, in consultation with membership.

Minutes on public record: Yes.

Attendance by external bodies: Yes, with prior approval.

South Coast Aggregates/Fisheries Liaison Group

Function: To provide better liaison between the dredging and fishing industries along the South coast (west of IoW - Kent) to minimise interference and to provide a forum for discussion of matters of mutual interest.

Membership: The membership of the committee is by invitation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), and is currently as follows:

• MAFF
• Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee
• Southern Sea Fisheries Committee
• Kent Sea Fisheries Committee
• Crown Estate
• DETR Minerals
• Dredging companies
• Fishing Associations: NFFO, Sec or Chairmen of Area Fishermans Association

Formal terms of Reference: No. The group functions as an informal forum, which allows concerns to be brought up in the most constructive way.

Frequency of meetings: Bi-annual.

Chaired by: MAFF.

Secretariat: MAFF.

Agenda set by: MAFF in response to requests from members.

Minutes on public record: Informal minutes are circulated to members of the committee.

Attendance by external bodies: By invitation.

Notes: Contact Angus Radford, MAFF for further information 01424 424109.

South East Regional Aggregates Working Party

Function: The main functions of SERAWP are:

• to assemble and publish regional data and information on aggregates planning and supply;
• to offer guidance on the best means for meeting future requirements for aggregates; and
• to provide a forum for the discussion of aggregates planning and related issues.

SERAWP covers the whole of the South-east Region (Essex to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight) considering all aspects of aggregates planning and supply.

Membership:

• Minerals Planning Authorities (including County and Unitary Councils)
• Sand and Gravel Association
• British Aggregate construction Materials Industry
• DETR (Minerals Division, Regional Offices)
• Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
• Rail Companies representative
• Port of London Authority

Formal terms of Reference: Yes.

Frequency of meetings: Two-three times annually.

Chaired by: Appointed by SERPLAN.

Secretariat: Provided by SERPLAN.

Agenda set by: Secretariat, in response to membership.

Minutes on public record: Yes.

Attendance by external bodies: Yes, by prior agreement.

Notes: For more information contact E. C Turner at SERPLAN on 0171 931 8777.

Southern Shellfish Liaison Group

Function: To bring together the regulatory bodies with interests in Shellfish and Shellfish Water Quality to provide a co-ordinated approach to the shellfish industry, from harvesting to retail. Its function include joint sampling plans, and co-ordination of local monitoring and regulatory activities.

Membership:

• Adur District Council
• Arun District Council
• Chichester District Council
• Eastleigh Borough Council
• Fareham Borough Council
• Gosport Borough Council
• Havant Borough Council
• Isle of Wight Council
• New Forest District Council
• North Dorset District Council
• Poole Borough Council
• Portsmouth Port Health Authority (City Council)
• Southampton Port Health Authority (City Council)
• Weymouth Port Health Authority (Borough Council)
• MAFF
• Department of Health
• Environment Agency
• Southern Sea Fisheries Committee

Formal terms of Reference: The group is established under national guidance issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Frequency of meetings: The group meets as required, normally every six months.

Chaired by: Currently Southampton City Council.

Secretariat: Currently New Forest District Council.

Agenda set by: Secretary.

Minutes on public record: The Group’s meetings consider sensitive commercial and regulatory information which are not published. Non-sensitive matters are discussed in a public section of the meeting, minutes for which are on the public record.

Attendance by external bodies: Permitted in public section of the meeting, which industry representative are invited to attend.

Standing Conference on Problems Associated with the Coastline (SCOPAC)

Function: SCOPAC is one of the 17 regional coastal groups covering the coastline of England and Wales. Its purposes are:

• to act as a Forum for exchange of information about the Shoreline and Coastal Zone, with particular reference to coast protection, beach replenishment, sedimentation and dredging;
• to promote research and ensure proper dissemination of information;
• to encourage, guide and co-ordinate the preparation of coastal zone management plans and other coastal strategies.

Membership: Full membership is restricted to authorities with statutory responsibilities for the coastal zone, and a democratically elected base. All of the County, District and Unitary Authorities within the Solent are members (Fareham Borough Council as an Associate).

Associate Membership is open to organisations with statutory or other specific responsibilities within the coastal zone. Current associate members include Beaulieu Estate, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, English Nature, Sports Council, Southern Sea Fisheries District and Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners.

Formal terms of Reference: Yes

Frequency of meetings: The Conference meets twice annually, and is supported by an Officers Working Group which meets at least quarterly. A separate research sub-group of the Officers working group also meets on a quarterly basis.

Chaired by: Chairman is elected at the conference.

Secretariat: Isle of Wight Council.

Agenda set by: Officers Working Group, in consultation with membership as required.

Minutes on public record: Yes.

Attendance by external bodies: By invitation.

Standing Conference on Oil and Gas

Function: To represent the local viewpoint on oil and gas developments within the English Channel, particularly between Devon and West Sussex.

Membership: Comprises the County, District and Unitary local authorities within Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight.

Formal terms of Reference: Yes

Frequency of meetings: The conference meets as and when business requires, and is supported by an Officers Working Group which meets more regularly.

Chaired by: Rotates, currently with Dorset County Council.

Secretariat: Provided by Hampshire County Council.

Agenda set by: Secretariat.

Minutes on public record: Yes.

Attendance by external bodies: Yes, by invitation only.

Notes: SCOG is recognised by the Department of Trade and Industry as the point of contact for the representation of the views of the member local authorities on oil and gas proposals. SCOG has a Policy for Offshore Exploration and Production, produced in December 1993.

Source: Strategic Guidance for the Solent (December 1997)

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