Residents of Cho Vito were evicted this week and their homes torn down using bulldozers after a judge overturned an appeal to save the cluster of 31 dwellings.
The draconian action in the northeast of the Canary Island has raised fears among homeowners along the Spanish coastline. It apears to reveal a determination by the Spanish government to implement its controversial coastal law which has so far only picked off a few isolated homes.
An estimated 500,000 homes, a significant number owned by British people, are estimated to be at risk. Several British owners have already been informed that their homes face demolition under the new government drive.
Mark Stucklin, of Spanish Property Insight, said: “This recent activity shows there is still a problem for coastal home owners and if anything it is getting worse.
“It seems the application of the law is completely impartial and individuals are being targeted while the powerful big developers are being allowed to get away with it.”
Residents of Cho Vito complained of the injustice of their homes being knocked down while hotels on the island also deemed to be built illegally were allowed to remain.
Locals initially refused to leave their homes but were forced out by a team of around 50 officers from the Guardia Civil who smashed down doors and gave occupants orders to grab what belongings they could carry and leave.
Some of the homes, which were modest dwellings, were built more than 60 years ago but fell foul of planning laws introduced in 1988 in a bid to protect Spain’s coastline from overdevelopment.
The demolitions followed a legal battle dating back to 1996, when the regional authorities first announced plans to clear the site.
The Spanish government has vowed to clear developments along 482 miles of coastline using the 20-year-old Ley de Costas (Coastal Law).
Under proposals announced last year properties built within 550 yards of the sea could be confiscated by the state and the owners offered only minimal compensation.
Source:
Telegraph.co.uk