The environmental organisation Verdemar Ecologistas en Acción has filed a complaint with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Málaga over a possible offence against historic heritage in the protected area around the Castillo de la Duquesa Archaeological Site, declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC, Asset of Cultural Interest) by Decree 89/2005 of 29 March.
According to the complaint, geotechnical surveys are being carried out on plot L-1 of the El Hacho Partial Plan, Phase 2, which could be the covert start of an urban development operation in an archaeological protection area. More than 140 luxury homes and an archaeological museum, promoted by Grupo ABU, are publicly advertised on this plot, even though a full archaeological excavation has not been carried out and there is no express cultural authorisation for its urban use.
The works have been authorised by the Junta de Andalucía under file IN250168, but Verdemar Ecologistas en Acción warns of the imminent risk of destruction of the archaeological heritage and asks that the investigation cover not only the developer and the Junta de Andalucía, but also Manilva Town Hall, for its possible involvement, knowledge or permissiveness regarding an action that could breach the Andalusian Historic Heritage Act.
“We are concerned by the apparent institutional connivance that could be allowing the archaeological heritage to be left unprotected in the face of urban development interests”, a Verdemar spokesperson said.
The complaint expressly asks the Public Prosecutor’s Office for the following:
- The opening of criminal investigation proceedings under article 323 of the Criminal Code.
- That information be gathered on file IN250168 and on the actions of the developer Grupo ABU.
- That the possible liability of Manilva Town Hall be investigated for inaction, collaboration or lack of oversight in a protected area.
- That urgent precautionary measures be adopted to protect the Castillo de la Duquesa archaeological site.
Verdemar reaffirms its commitment to defending natural and cultural heritage and demands a rigorous investigation, institutional transparency and the immediate halting of all urban development activity in the area around the BIC.
