AUAN Condemns Demolition of Briton's Home
A.U.A.N. Press Release - 13th January 2008
So, it has finally happened! As the AUAN, set up to fight for the legalisation of all the illegal houses in the Almanzora Valley, reaches the first anniversary of its foundation, a British couple's home has been demolished in Vera! What a disastrous start to 2008 for Mr and Mrs Prior and a matter of grave concern to the rest of us who find ourselves at risk from a similar fate.
The AUAN has been warning of the danger. Many people have just refused to acknowledge it and, because they have an escritura for their house, or even just their land, consider they are fully legal. The AUAN has yet to finish the investigation into the background of this disturbing incident, but the Spanish press carry the story that the Mayor of Vera has indicated that Mr and Mrs Prior's house was 'fully legal'. This gives us little comfort.
Mr Louis Caparrós, the Director of Public Works and Transport with the Junta of Andalucia, is reported as saying that the rule of law has been restored in Andalucia by the demolition of the Prior's villa. Where was the rule of law on planning matters years ago, when our authorities either turned a blind eye to, or actively encouraged, the property developers? Where was the rule of law, when the Abogados failed to warn the purchasers of the dangers of buying these 'illegal' properties? So the Junta makes an example of the homeowner? It is not an indication of strong Government, to victimise the weak!
What a body blow to the Andalucian reputation this incident has been. The demolition has been widely reported in the British, and other foreign press, with the reaction 'Shame on Spain'. Will the Spanish be surprised when the tourists and retirees stop coming to Spain? This entire situation is damaging to the economic prosperity of the region and impacts all of us who live here. We forget at our peril that the Supreme Court Public Prosecutor, Antonio Vercher, said in November 2006 that 100,000 illegal properties would have to be demolished in Spain. 5 Spanish owned properties were demolished near Cordoba just before Christmas. The Spanish press links the demolition of the Prior's home with the other 5 properties nearby, and 11 houses near Albox. Somebody's pain is about to get worse!
The AUAN will continue to pressurise the EU and British Governments to, in turn, apply pressure on the Spanish Government. We shall again petition the King of Spain, and we shall demand from local Mayors a clear indication of how dangerous the threat is.
What can YOU do? Support the AUAN. If you are concerned, join us! Details can be found on the AUAN web site where you can also read all the Press reports of this unfortunate demolition. The more members we have, the louder our voice to demand fair play for the homeowner!
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Article First Published: Sunday, 13th January 2008, 17:48 CET
Last Updated: Sunday, 13th January 2008, 17:58 CET
Author: A.U.A.N.
