Mallorca remains vigilant when it comes to protecting its landscape. Contrary to the fears of many that the new conservative government could relax the fight against black buildings, the island continues to show determination. According to the national statistics authority INE an impressive 52 illegal buildings were demolished in the first half of 2024. These buildings, which were erected without permission in rural areas, had to be razed to the ground - a clear message to all those who believe they can flout the rules.
Since 2017, the responsible authority, the Agència de Defensa del Territori (ADT)In total, 800 such illegal buildings have been removed on Mallorca. This figure is not only an indicator of the authority's ongoing work, but also a sign that the Mallorcans want to protect their island. According to the ADT, these illegal buildings are not only a violation of the law, but also a slap in the face to all those builders who have played by the rules.
Around 100 demolition notices per year
With 52 demolitions in the first six months of 2024, the ADT appears to be maintaining its current pace. In recent years, around 100 demolition notices have also been issued each year, which shows that the fight against illegal buildings is not slowing down.
A look at the statistics shows: The municipality of Algaida leads the rankings by a wide margin. A total of 102 buildings have been demolished there alone since 2017. It is followed by Marratxí with 75 and Felanitx with 60 demolished buildings. These high figures are also due to the fact that Algaida and Marratxí have been working closely with the ADT since it was founded in 2009.
Cooperation between municipalities as the key to success
The success of the ADT depends not least on cooperation with the municipalities. Of the 53 municipalities on Mallorca, 35 have now joined the ADT. In the first few years after the authority was founded in 2009, there were only seven, but the number has grown steadily - a sign that more and more municipalities are recognizing the importance of landscape conservation.
Despite these successes, however, there are also concerns. With the new conservative government under Marga Prohens, landscape conservationists fear that the determination in the fight against illegal buildings could wane. The government's decision to allow retrospective legalization of illegal buildings whose construction violations are time-barred is viewed particularly critically. A step that could counteract the hard-won progress made in recent years.
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