The remodelling works on Plaza de Los Naranjos in Sabinillas, promoted by Manilva Town Hall, are progressing well with the aim of finishing before Christmas. The project involves a complete transformation that includes new infrastructure, an aesthetic renovation and the replacement of the old fountain with a ground-level, walk-through one with water jets. However, the expansion of usable space will come at the expense of removing the few existing green areas, which gave historical meaning to the very name «Plaza de los Naranjos» (Orange Trees Square), replacing them with shaded areas featuring artificial elements.
No response from the Town Hall
Although the Town Hall itself issued a press release suggesting that it was meeting with the businesspeople and residents affected by the works, the reality appears to be somewhat different. The owner of an adjoining property reports the installation of a brick-built hut attached directly to the private façade of her home without having been informed beforehand or having given the necessary authorisation.
Faced with this alleged intrusion on her property, the affected owner states that she requested formal explanations from the Town Hall by official registration on 6 November. To date, the Town Hall has not issued any reply, amounting to administrative silence which, according to the complainant, leaves her completely defenceless, and she has therefore begun the legal proceedings available to her to defend her private property.
Complaint to the Ombudsman and the Estepona Courts
In the absence of a reply, this resident has lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman (Defensor del Pueblo) over the local authority’s lack of response and information, and another with the Estepona Courts, which this outlet has seen. In the document, filed today, 24 November, the complainant requests the immediate halt of the construction of the hut, considering it irregular and contrary to current planning regulations.
The complaint adds that the authorities are obliged to respond within the deadline and to uphold planning legality, as well as to guarantee citizens’ right to receive an express reply and to effective judicial protection, as set out in Article 24 of the Spanish Constitution.
