My information from a Spainish acquaintance who inquired at Elche town hall planning department,was that because of "green "enviromental protests, the urbanisation permissions that had been granted, lapsed in 2003.That means they could not put in the streets ,lighting ,etc. I have also been told ,by a local estate agent , that San Jose built more properties on the site than had been given planning permission ,and a local English resident said that also they built in areas that were not on the original plans.
My Spanish solicitor met with San Jose's solicitors in October or November last year,and agreed to a repayment of the deposit, on the grounds they had broken their contract by going over the agreed completion date.Neither solicitor then regarded the delay because of the enviromental study as valid grounds for not repaying the deposit.Then San Jose became difficult ,because so many people wanted their money back and were using delaying tactics.
I bought my property through Instant Access ,who then stepped in to negotiate a compensation package,without telling us that San Jose were last October selling their final units at 141700 euros, when the purchase price on mine was 160000 euros.
I have asked my Spanish solicitor to begin proceedings against San Jose,but have not heard from him,so after I check with him ,I would like to join your case.