The case came about when a neighbour lodged a complaint about a wall at the property in Marratxi - it was higher than permitted. Agents from the Council of Mallorca discovered a plot of around 40,000 square metres, a luxury villa of 700 square metres, two adjoining buildings both of 150 square metres and a basement of 500 square metres. In all, therefore, there was a built area of 1,500 square metres on land where only a limited amount of construction was possible. At most, only 300 square metres were permissible.
The agents verified that there had been no building licence. In addition, it was established that there was neither a completion of works certificate nor a certificate of habitability. On top of this, the property was being advertised for 30,000 euros monthly rent on certain luxury real-estate websites.
Further investigations revealed that a plumbing company had not been paid what it was owed and had started legal proceedings to claim the payment. The architect for the project, who disagreed with what was being built, walked away from it and denounced a breach of trust.
The architect, who is still waiting for payment, was at one point told by the woman from Palma town hall that his presence was not required during the construction phase. She told him: "I am an urban planning technician; you do not need to come."
A court, acting on the complaint by the plumbing company, ordered a judicial delegation to visit the property. These officials were unable to enter. The woman was informed that if they were not given access, the Guardia Civil would be notified. They were then allowed to enter.
Once inside, luxury cars were observed. The lawyer acting for the company requested that the owners of these vehicles be identified. From eastern Europe, they were renting the property.
The woman has worked for the department for more than ten years. This department is concerned with illegal construction.
As well as the proceedings by the Council of Mallorca, she is under investigation by the town hall. This has to do with the fact that she apparently provided services for Lloret de Vistalegre and Valldemossa town halls. The law states that it is illegal to work for more than one administration.
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In keeping with normal practice she should be invited into the House of Lords or at the very least she wouldn’t be expected to pay for any repairs herself.
Morgan WilliamsI doubt it.
Richard Pearson“How many others in the local government and town hall structures are corrupt like this? More than you can imagine." You seem assuredly confident about that, so one might naturally presume that you have significant personal experience with it? Do tell.
Blame mass tourism and foreign visitors! Take a hard look at yourselves.
In the UK he would be ordered to take the building down. And be sacked from his employment.
Bogdan“How many others in the local government and town hall structures are corrupt like this? “ More than you can imagine.
Zoltan TeglasCopied and filed.
Richard PearsonAgainst the 'established narrative...'. Daily Mail reader reports feelings of persecution during illegal buildings scandal
Begs the question of how does a mid-level civil servant in a regional planning office afford a ten acre compound housing three buildings with a combined area exceeding 10,000 sq ft. At a current market price of ~€3,000/m2 plus land prices, that's €3-5 million. Given the illegal nature, this will have been built without mortgage finance. Presumably the rental income was declared and taxed? What's her salary?
Do the protesters still see tourists as the source of their problems? Protests in front of this official's property, and in the town hall would make way more sense. How many others in the local government and town hall structures are corrupt like this? Protesters can protest their behinds off and intimidate tourists. At the same time the very politicians that could change something and that should be a target of the protests have vested interests in changing precisely nothing in the current situation.