Architect Sir Norman Foster has developed plans for the seafront

Architect Sir Norman Foster has developed plans for three sites, but the council has found that the covenant prevents commercial development.

Cllr Jeremy Birch said: "It is par for the course for big regeneration schemes - in many projects, ownership, land use, all sorts of issues arise."

The authority is now seeking an Act of Parliament to repeal the covenant.

Plans 'still possible'

Hastings is known as one of the most deprived towns in the South East.

Plans for Pelham Place and two other sites include shops, restaurants, a hotel and flats.

Work on the Pelham Place site was due to start towards the end of next year, which the council says is still possible.

But at the Marine Pavilion site in St Leonards, work was due to start this year - a project which could now face delays.