Views: 160

The Balearic Government has announced that it is working on a law that will permit making all illegal building on rustic land legal. In Menorca, the greatest number is found in vegetable allotments, where GOB has confirmed the existence of dozens of houses that far exceed 300 square meters. This is an urban speculation almost unrecognised in our democracy.

To legalize a house on rustic land currently represents a spectacular increase in its real estate market value. Last week it was learnt that the Government forecasts that these houses, now illegal, will be able to be part of the offer for rental to tourists. GOB considers this action an insult to the greater part of the public that follows the rules correctly.

The rural nucleus of illegal houses accumulates problems from septic tanks that contaminate the aquifers, from uncontrolled water consumption and from a considerable effect to the landscape. Now legalizing is wanted by those who have not first sorted out problems affecting the common good.

Aiding the urban offenders was a habitual practice in the seventies and eighties, when those that held the power and those that had property shared the profits. Many cases finished up in the courts.

For a twenty-first century government to include rewarding those who have violated the urban rules in its policies is a public disgrace as well as being a contradiction of other formal commitments.

GOB is studying what action can be taken in face of behaviour considered unethical and contrary to common sense.