The province of Cádiz, and particularly Chiclana, faces a significant issue with urban developments outside the law. These illegal settlements, often on rural land where construction is prohibited, lack essential services like water, electricity, and waste collection, creating considerable social and legal challenges. Prosecutors and local councils are intensifying efforts to control and eradicate these practices.
In the last six months, Chiclana City Council has detected and sealed a total of 15 irregular subdivisions, covering nearly 100,000 square meters and a hundred plots where construction was already underway. Concern is growing over the size of these properties, some exceeding 10,000 square meters, which are illegally segmented and sold through alleged 'cooperatives'.
Regarding urban planning enforcement, 26 demolitions have been ordered in this past semester, a significant increase compared to the previous year. The proliferation of prefabricated homes, often equipped with amenities like swimming pools and electricity, is also an illegal practice that authorities are combating.
Judicial proceedings stemming from these infractions can lead to conviction. A recent example includes a couple in Cádiz sentenced to one year and eight months in prison, a fine, and disqualification for a crime against territorial planning. The ruling details the division of land and the construction of multi-story houses and swimming pools on non-developable land.
The court ruling emphasizes that the constructions were made with full knowledge of the land's classification. Although the prison sentence is less than two years and may not require immediate incarceration, the convicted individuals will have a criminal record and must demolish the structures and pay the imposed fine, in addition to being barred from construction-related professions.
