FOI request (FOIR-155354906)

Ownership of 'ransom strips' around the pier apron

Requested Wed 06 November 2019
Responded  Tue 03 December 2019

Question 1:

The HBC ownership plan 3 shows that the northern side of the pier apron is owned by HBC. It also shows that the east and west diagonal parts of the apron where it joins the promenade are owned by HBC.

It also shows a thin strip of HBC owned land extending the length of the apron on both the eastern and western sides. https://www.hastings.gov.uk/content/my_council/transparency/pdfs/HBCfreeholdplan3

Could you please confirm that the ownership plan is up to date and that the areas marked on the plan marked in red and described above are still in HBC ownership.

Question 2:

A recent pier Facebook post claims that all areas under the pier are owned by the pier. This contradicts the ownership plan above.

'Hastings Pier ***** - the beach underneath the pier including the Ransom strip are owned by Lions Hastings Pier Ltd and NOT the Crown, Foreshore Trust or Hastings Borough Council'

Can you please confirm whether this is correct and that the areas marked in red detailed above are no longer owned by HBC.

Question 3:

A recent Facebook post from pier management claims that the ransom strip(s) has recently been purchased from HBC.

'****** isn't it foreshore?'

'Hastings Pier ***** no it's the pier including the Ranson strip purchased from the council'

Can you please confirm whether this is correct and that the red 'ransom strips' shown in the ownership plan above have been purchased.

Question 4:

A recent Facebook post from pier management claims that the land under the pier was purchased 3 years ago.

'Hastings Pier ***** please check the land registry map, the beach underneath the pier has been owned by the pier for over 3 years'

Can you please confirm whether this is correct and that the beach under the pier was purchased three years ago.

Question 5:

Please provide details of all purchases of land from HBC by the pier (including current and previous owners) in the last 10 years.

Response

Q1 - The plan you provided is not up to date. An updated plan can be obtained from the Land Registry Title Number ESX246860

Q2 - The land is no longer owned by Hastings Borough Council

Q3 - The land was transferred on 27 June 2019

Q4 - Information not held

Q5 - The Pier itself was purchased by Hastings Pier Charity after a Compulsory Purchase Order