Ex-pat homeowners take on Spain

A GROUP of British pensioners has decided to take on the Spanish State in the European Court of Human Rights

Having exhausted all hope of preventing demolition of their home via the Spanish courts a retired British couple from  Albox, are now taking their case directly to the European Court of Human Rights, AUAN (Abusos Urbanisticos Almanzora No) reports.

This move is backed by AUAN and SOHA (Save Our Homes Axarquia), two organisations representing hundreds of homeowners in similar circumstances in Spain.

The case echoes that of Len and Helen Prior whose home in Vera, was demolished five years ago as the result of a planning dispute between the local council and the regional government. In both cases the properties had full building licences.

“We feel there is no other option” said AUAN president, Maura Hillen. “In the case of the Priors the Spanish Constitutional Court deliberated for two years over whether or not their property should be demolished by which time the house had already been flattened.  And even if compensation is actually awarded, it can take up to 15 years to receive any money. There must be no more demolitions without prior compensation’.