We currently have building work being done on our house in Martos, Spain. The builders have been in working for just over a week and today we were asked for the permissions we also had the police local at the house today and have stopped the work. The builder who is doing the work informed us that his boss is away on trip and won't be back until Monday. As far as we knew the builder was doing all the necessary paperwork. Was just wondering where we stand

It is the owners responsibility to apply for and pay for the building licence. Builders often claim they have applied but they are usually lying and just hope they finish in time before they get found out. If they had sucessfully applied for a licence then the police would not be concerned as the town hall would have a record of it.

If the building works would be allowed under the local planning laws you will have to apply and pay for the licence and probably a fine. If they do not conform you will probably have to knock it down or at least return it to what it was.

You need to go to the town hall and find out exactly what the situation is.

Yes, the old days of doing what you like and maybe paying a small fine later are over. Depending on the scope of the works you will need a proper architect approved plans etc.