Harbour User Group (HUG)

HUG Terms Of Reference

1. The Port of Bideford will establish a group, to be known as the Bideford Harbour Users Group (HUG). The Port of Bideford Harbour Master will regularly consult HUG on all matters substantially affecting the conservation, protection, regulation, management, maintenance and improvement of Bideford Harbour and its navigation.

2. Purpose - to allow Harbour Stakeholders to have a vehicle to express their opinions in the affairs of Bideford Harbour.

3. The HUG shall consist of a maximum of 14 representatives from the following invited organisations and harbour interest groups:

a. A maximum of 4 Councillors drawn from Bideford Town Council, Torridge District Council, North Devon District Council & Devon County Council.

b. A maximum of 2 Bideford Mooring Licence holders, nominated by the mooring holders or by a member of the HUG.

c. A maximum of 2 Commercial Vessel Operators eg Lundy Island Company, Fishermen operating from Bideford, Severn Sea Limited, Algapelago Ltd.

d. A maximum of one to represent the Bideford Harbour leisure users including Skern Lodge, Sea Cadets, swimmers, kayakers and paddle boarders. 2A maximum of 2 Bideford Harbour leisure users eg Skern lodge, Sea Cadets, rowing clubs, gig clubs, kayakers/paddleboarders, swimmers.

e. A maximum of one to represent the Taw and Torridge Estuary Forum.

f. A maximum of one to represent for heritage groups eg Bideford & River Torridge Heritage Harbour, River Torridge Heritage Group.

g. A maximum of one to represent the natural environment eg Devon Wildlife Trust, Biosphere Trust.

h. A maximum of one to represent Bideford town commerce eg Bideford Town Centre Partnership.

4. If the HUG does not receive a nomination for any reason from any of the organisations mentioned in Clause 3 a.to h. above, the HUG may, after consulting with other organisations it thinks appropriate, appoint a suitable alternative or none at all.

5. This procedure will also be followed should any of the organisations mentioned in Clause 3 a. to h. above cease to exist or the function of the organisation changes significantly.

6. The HUG shall not be obliged to appoint a person who is duly nominated in accordance with any of Clauses 3 a. to h. above but may request the body or bodies who made the nomination to nominate another person.

7. The term of office of a member of the HUG shall be three years from the date of his/her appointment and, on ceasing to hold office, he/she shall be eligible for re-appointment for a further 3 years only.

8. A member of HUG may at any time, by notice in writing to the Chairman of the HUG and or the Bideford Harbour Management Committee, resign his/her office.

9. HUG will meet four times a year, their meetings being interspersed with those of the Port of Bideford Management Committee, who normally meet every 3 months.

10. The HUG may determine its own quorum and procedures.

11. The HUG shall nominate its own Chairperson. Chair to be re-elected no less than every 3 years.

12. Without prejudice to paragraph (1.) above, the Port of Bideford shall seek the views of the HUG on:

a. Port of Bideford Management and Business Plan.

b. Proposals to vary any charges in relation to business and recreational use of the harbour and its use by any vessels.

c. The making of byelaws, directions or revision orders.

d. Proposals to construct or license any significant works in the harbour including dredging.

e. Changes to the use of the harbour.

13. The Port of Bideford shall take into consideration any matter, recommendation or representation which may from time to time be referred or made to them by the HUG, whether or not it has been consulted by the Port of Bideford on the matter, recommendation or representation so referred or made.

14. Any nominated member that misses two consecutive meetings shall be removed from the group and the nominating body will be asked to nominate a new representative.

15. Members may nominate a substitute to attend the HUG meetings.

16. A venue and secretarial support for the HUG meetings is to be provided by the HUG.

17. An agenda and record of minutes of each meeting will be produced and be posted on the TDC Harbour website.

18. The relevant parts of the Minutes of Bideford Harbour Management Committee will be shared with HUG.

19. The Bideford Harbour Master (or substitute representative) will attend HUG meetings to observe and advise but will have no voting rights. Any serving Harbour Committee members may attend as observers if required.

20. These Terms of Reference to be reviewed every 3 years.