Originally Posted by Lenox

I don't agree with much of what Lee8 says.
Since there are no reliable Spanish figures on the number of Brits living here (especially now that we don't - thanks to Brussels -even need a 'residencia'), the generally accepted figure comes from the British Foreign Office (or, if you prefer, the BBC). It's said to be one million Britons now living in Spain.
If we suppose that each of us spends 500 euros a month to live, that's 500 million euros a month, or 6 billion Euros per annum free to the Spanish economy. Unlike most industry, with profit and cost, here the figure is practically all profit to Spain - less a small number of fish and chip shops, English language newspapers and British pubs. None of whom make much of a dent in Spain's economy. The downside - the odd letter to the town hall complaining about the noise - is a pretty small price to pay.
If we suppose that there are as many Irish, Dutch, Skandis, Germans, Italians, Americans, Aussies and Maltese together as there are Brits, we can figure about 12 billion euros a year being sent over to Spain. A billion euros a month - for nothing. Then, we can add the cars, furnishings and the house purchases, plus some tax - and Spain does pretty well out of it. Blimey, they don't even want to vote, say the Spaniards!
Perhaps - since those million Brits can't leave (who would buy their house?), and the powers-that-be reckon there are enough of us - perhaps now is the time to close the door...

Originally Posted by Lenox

I've had confirmation that the situation in Vera, Almeria has been placed -as an urgent question - on the agenda of the EU Parliament to meet in Strasbourg next week.

Originally Posted by OCRAZ

I have to say it is disgusting that the Spanish Junta have the right to throw people out of their houses when they have gone down the correct roads to purchase it, but I also have to admit it is not just the English they pick on. My neighbour is Spanish and has been building a new house in 'el campo' for the last 3 months. The other day, the police came to him and told him he had to demolish it or else!! Difference being is he is building it knowing it is illegal and intends to carry on and ignore the police. We will wait and see what happens next.

Best regards
Teresa

Originally Posted by jdr

The police take photos of the site and if anything has been added then they will take action.

Originally Posted by OCRAZ

I will keep you updated on what happens next. We had a small extension 2mtrs x 2mtrs does this apply in the laws do you know? Our builder told us permission was not necessary.

Originally Posted by OCRAZ

I will keep you updated on what happens next. We had a small extension 2mtrs x 2mtrs does this apply in the laws do you know? Our builder told us permission was not necessary.

Originally Posted by jdr

The police take photos of the site and if anything has been added then they will take action.

Originally Posted by Fred James

However I doubt that a 4m2 building would trigger a bunch of Robocops to appear waving guns and demolition orders!!

Originally Posted by Fred James

In fact they are now taking aerial and satellite photos and using computers to spot any changes from previous photos.

Apparently they have found loads of illegal pools not to mention illegal extensions.

However I doubt that a 4m2 building would trigger a bunch of Robocops to appear waving guns and demolition orders!!

Originally Posted by jdr

They have been flying over ours for a while now, when i told the ayamonte thread they laughed it off and said it would cost too much to get a plane up, but that is how the council are making there money now, on fines etc.

PS, Google maps is their friend also. ;-))

Originally Posted by Econ

I remember I found it strange it was the Guardia and not the local Police.

Originally Posted by Fred James

It has become such a big problem that It cannot be left to the local authorities (they pay the local police) as they are usually the cause of the problem in the first place.