Almuñecar in the urban spotlight

Court investigates sports pavilion as judges declare Marina del Este apartments illegal

ALMUÑECAR mayor Juan Carlos Benavides faces two years behind bars if found guilty of irregular town planning offences.

According to newspaper Ideal, the public prosecutor will seek both a jail term and a suspension from holding public office for Benavides and six others – including four members of the current town hall.

The charges relate to a sports pavilion, illegally built on protected land in La Herradura.

The prosecution claims that in January 2005 the council allowed the construction of the contentious building in the full knowledge it was illegal.

Besides Benavides, among those charged with planning offences are the current councillors for urban planning and public works.

If found guilty the accused will have to pay for the demolition of the sports pavilion as well as being banned from holding public office for ten years.

Meanwhile, judges in Granada have declared illegal a block of 17 luxury apartments in “overbuilt” Marina del Este.

The decision follows a private case brought by a residents’ association against Almuñecar town hall and the construction company behind the Aida building, Adnania Internacional SA.

In explaining the ruling, the court said the construction potential in the residential areas around the harbour was “completely exhausted.”