Your views

“Demolishing history in Pollensa” - 13 October
Dear Sir,
My wife and I have holidayed in Puerto Pollensa since 1997 and have especially enjoyed Pine Walk in common with tens of thousands of fellow visitors. When we were back there last weekend we noted and looked at the property you referred to, ‘Can Franc’ cottage, set in a very fine open woodland garden, in a prominent position on Pine Walk. We were especially concerned to hear that it could be demolished for redevelopment as it is an outstanding example of traditional, local Majorcan architecture with a real old-world charm about it. We strongly feel that it should be retained as a very significant part of the local scene, especially along the scenically fine Pine Walk. We think that in Britain it would certainly be a listed building. Clearly the owner/developer wishes to capitalize on the site for financial gain, but could cause irretrievable damage to a the appearance and beauty on this plot.
Many adjacent plots have been developed over the years and each time this detracts from the quality of the scene in Pine Walk, sometimes the buildings are of poor architectural quality. Poor quality development does definitely detract from the attractiveness of the Port and already there are some glaring examples - e.g. the view south-westwards of the Hotel Daina from Pine Walk is quite awful with a horrendous blank wall and masts on the top. Luckily the Port escaped the horrendous architectural monstrosities in Port of Alcudia and in many other parts of the island, but great care needs to be exercised to retain the natural beauty and charm of the setting of Puerto Pollensa.
Also we counted at least 25 fine, mature pines in the garden surrounding it, many of which would quite probably be lost in a redevelopment. Quite a few pines have been lost since we first started coming there, and the need to protect that valuable and historic environment is clear.
Your other article about a demolition in the town of Pollensa is yet another example of wanton and ruthless destruction at another very important local attraction which you correctly label ‘vandalism’. Clearly heavy fines should be imposed and restitution sought in these cases by the planning authorities responsible. In today’s Daily Mail there is an article and pictures about a house owned by a British family in Andalusia which has been demolished because it did not have planning permission; this has been done in the UK as well where owners have illegally carried out developments or demolished buildings or listed features (e.g. protected trees) without permission.
It is certainly time to get tough with the cowboys and wreckers! Thanks for your excellent articles and we hope the local authority will take a strong stance!
Kind regards,
David and Mary Garrod