Historic Maps and land registration rules

Neither the British Library nor the Bodleian hold Ordnance Survey Plans dated 1985 and 1988.  Have you got them and may I have copies? and

The Land Registration Rules 2003 s24 1(a) refer to an Application for First Registration to be accompanied with a ".....plan that land can be identified clearly on the Ordnance Survey map". Which map? It is simply unacceptable for a solicitor making an application for first Registration to offer by intention or accident an Ordnance Survey Plan believed to be correct but in fact manifestly wrong.

Thank you for your letter dated 13^th February 2010. I regret to inform you that Ordnance Survey is unable to help you with your enquiry as we do not hold the information you have requested.

Ordnance Surveys Historical Mapping Enquiry service closed on 31 July 2008. The maps which were held by Ordnance Survey were distributed between various sites around the country, therefore we do not have the plans you refer to for 1985 and 1988. I understand you have contacted The British Library and The Bodleian Library with no success - it is possible that The National Archives (TNA) may hold the information you have requested from us, and we advise you contact them as follows:

The National Archives TNA

Kew

Richmond

Surrey

TW9 4DU

Tel: 0208 876 3444

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/contactus

With regard to the issues over Land Registration rules, firstly, I draw your attention to the fact that Ordnance Survey mapping does not depict legal property boundaries nor do we attempt to show property ownership on our mapping.

Land Registry advises that any dispute concerning property boundaries or the extent of registered land should be brought to their attention at the earliest stage to establish if they can assist in resolving the matter. Ordnance Survey does undertake survey work on behalf of Land Registry, if they feel that this is required in assisting with the registering of land or in issues regarding the extent of land ownership. Land Registry also offers an arbitration facility in order to help resolve disputes. 

If you require more information on either of these, please contact Land Registry Headquarters at:

Land Registry

32 Lincolns Inn Fields

London

WC2A 3PH

Tel: 0207 917 8888

Web: www.landreg.gov.uk

I would like to suggest that you contact Land Registry as soon as possible.  It is for them to determine the true extent of the registered title as they can amend our mapping as required for this purpose.  It is the wording in your property Title Deeds, not the plan contained therein, which should describe the legal extent of the land and property conveyed.

Please note that your enquiry has been processed to Freedom of Information guidelines.  As all requested information has been provided, we have determined that in all the circumstances of this case the Public interest consideration (section 17 FOIA) is not applicable in this instance.

If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal to our Appeals Officer at:

Complaints Team

Customer Service Centre

Ordnance Survey

Romsey Road

SOUTHAMPTON

SO16 4GU  

Please include the reference number below. The Appeals Officer will ensure that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of additional information if appropriate.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Reference number: FOI1038/February 2010