Spanish coastal law permits extended

Photo credit: Pepe Rodmon

The controversial law was introduced in 1988 to protect the coastlines of Spain. The rule divided land near the Coast into public and private, threatening to demolish any property built in the public zones.

(Public domains are defined as the surf zone, beach and all areas where there is sand, shale, pebbles or where the waves can reach, either in normal or severe weather.)

Property owners were entitled to appeal for a postponed demolition, provided they could prove it was legally constructed before 1988. This extension, though, was nearing its expiry - until the government approved an amendment to the act, reports Euroweekly, safeguarding the properties for an additional 45 years, until 2063.

This will give homeowners a reassuring sense of security, but also help hotels, restaurants and Bars in the area continue to generate money for the region.

An additional yearly fee - 6 per cent of the cadastre value of the property - will be owed by all relevant owners.