To: New Forest District Council (NFDC) and the Department for Transport (DfT)
Support a Statutory Harbour Authority for Keyhaven
Support a Statutory Harbour Authority for Keyhaven
Keyhaven Harbour generates a surplus of around £100,000 a year in mooring fees and harbour dues, but this money is not ring-fenced for maintaining the harbour that produces it — including Hurst Spit, which protects the Keyhaven River and our local environment.
For nearly 30 years, Hurst Spit has been maintained at an average cost of just £16,000 per year, but funding relies on a patchwork of government bodies and uncertain grants. With storms becoming more frequent and public finances tightening, this system is no longer secure.
Local Government Reform means New Forest District Council will soon disappear.
This creates a timely opportunity to establish Keyhaven as a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA).
This creates a timely opportunity to establish Keyhaven as a Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA).
Why is this important?
A Statutory Harbour Authority would:
- Ensure harbour income is reinvested locally for the benefit of harbour users and the village
- Provide long-term funding for maintaining Hurst Spit and the harbour
- Give Keyhaven a clear, accountable body responsible for harbour management and navigation
Harbours across the UK — large and small — operate successfully under Statutory Harbour Authorities. Keyhaven is more than big enough to do the same.
This is our chance to secure the future of Keyhaven Harbour.
✍️ Sign the petition to ask the council and government to support the creation of a Keyhaven Statutory Harbour Authority.
