PGOU, what does it mean to you?

'A very complex, specialised thing' says expert

JIMENA Many cities, towns and villages in Spain, though probably more so in Andalucía, are in the midst of renovating, updating, their General Urban Ordinance Plan (PGOU in its Spanish acronym), which is the plan that affects the municipality in its urban development, and whose current version dates back to 1984, although there is a so-called 'modification' that is being applied by the planning office in the town hall.

Chiclana businesses and residents ask for an end to illegal building

Aerial view of Chiclana

CHICLANA  The latest police operation that resulted in 32 people being charged with various counts related to illegal land speculation and building has caused more than consternation among the municipality's residents and authorities. For instance, the Business Association of Chiclana has roundly condemned 'town planning corruption', according to one report. Its president, Nicolás Rodriguez, made a statement recently about 'the need to cut professional misconduct and any business that deals with it, at the very roots'. For its part, Chiclana Council, headed by Mayor Ernesto Marín, said that it had cooperated fully with the Guardia Civil in its investigations into urban corruption, 'and would continue to do so because we are talking about the future', which should not be left in the hands of a few corrupt speculators. The organization that serves the victims of illegal building, a political party called Partido Vecinal Regionalista (PVRE, with two Councillors), also came out against the illegal practices, calling those who take part in them 'soulless', while recalling the large number of people who have come to them with tears in their eyes having lost their homes overnight.

Illegal houses demolished

(Photo: europasur.es)

SAN ROQUE /Estación (Agencies) Having obtained permission from  authorities and the courts, the Council yesterday proceeded to knock down several illegal buildings on Calle Río. The buildings had been close to ruins and were the constant complaints of the neighbourhood for a number of years. They had been built on municipal land and were in danger of collapse for some time. According to neighbourhood sources, the houses were allegedly being used for drug dealing, something that had been denounced at the Town Hall on numerous occasions.

Local Police deal with 663 'urban discipline' matters in 2010

SAN ROQUE (Press release) The Local Police carried out 663 procedures related to town planning control in the municipality, as well as over 250 questions and requests on these matters during 2010. The special programme was set up under the Financial Clean-up Plan to watch over such things as illegal building, correct licensing for buildings, shops and businesses and report on them for possible sanctions, and works closely with the Town Planning Office. A number of recent procedures include execution of demolition orders (photo) and cases of illegal occupation of public through ways, among others.

 

San Roque expects to make €300,000 per year from illegal building fines

SAN ROQUE (Source: EuropaSur / Photo: CampoPulse files) San Roque Council's new Urban Discipline regulations are expected to make some €300,000 per year for the municipal treasury, according to Councillor Jesús Mayoral, who now heads the department. Some 400 or 500 fines are issued every year, with which the council's coffers will be augmented thanks to the new rules. Mayoral (PP), who took over the department after coalition partner USR was ousted from the government having been in charge of the Town Planning section, has promised that all planning permits and agreements issued or negotiated by USR will be 'looked at with a magnifying glass'. He blamed USR for neglecting this part of their jobs.