Beyond Pedro J: the other illegal pools in the Balearic Islands

PalmLast March, the Ministry of the Water Cycle and the Sea signed the authorization to carry out the demolition of Pedro J. Ramírez's pool in Costa de los Pinos, after a long legal battle since 2004. The case was well known by its owner (now Agatha Ruiz de la Prada), but in the Balearic Islands there are dozens of other pools in public maritime-terrestrial domain. And not only that: hotels, restaurants, and –of course– villas have also been built, some directly on the beach. All these uses are prohibited because the public domain is a strip that occupies the first meters of the coast and extends as far as a beach, dune system, or wetland reaches. Some of these constructions obtained temporary concessions in the past, but most have already expired. In total, it is estimated that there are more than 2,000 irregular constructions, many of which with demolition orders. The lack of resources from the State Coastal Demarcation has allowed cement to illegally occupy the front line for decades. One of the most striking cases is that of Bungalow, in Palma, a restaurant that has never even had a concession and continues to operate despite demolition orders.

Blessed

Private pool. Expired concession

One of the most common images of island coastlines is that of building a swimming pool entirely within the public domain. This one, in Bendinat, is one of the most significant cases in Palma. It is located entirely in the maritime-terrestrial zone and no longer has any authorization to occupy the first line. Despite the order of expiry issued by Costas, the owners, as is usually the case, have appealed to try to prolong the procedure. In principle, according to current regulations, these facilities are not legalizable. Some owners, moreover, block the way along the coast, which is also illegal within the public domain.

Cala Sant Esteve (es Castell)

Sidewalk stalls. Demolition order

The Coastal Demarcation has been resolving the allegations presented by the owners of small houses located on the seafront in Cala Sant Esteve, in El Castell, after the extension of concessions that expired in 2018 was denied. These are buildings that in Menorca are called 'sidewalk huts' and which have a certain traditional constructive typology. With this argument, owners and often also the local or insular administration try to cover up what is an illegality. Coastal Demarcation has ordered the demolition of at least five properties because they have not had any authorization to occupy public land for eight years. The Demarcation argues that residential use is not compatible with this type of space and makes it very clear that these buildings obstruct passage. If the demolition is not voluntarily carried out within the fixed period, the Administration itself will carry it out subsidiarily, to restore the public coastline free.

Talamanca

Hotel and terrace. Demolition order since 2021

Hotel and terrace. Demolition order since 2021

Cala Pregonda

Chalet on the sand. Concession expired in 2018

Chalet on the sand. Concession expired in 2018

Illetes Restaurant in Camp de Mar

Cafeteria and restaurant on the islet. Expired concession, pending renewal

Island coffee shop and restaurant. Concession expired, pending renewal