A long battle… soon over?

Dear members, dear supporters, dear property owners of Planas del Rey,

Since the dissolution of the EUCC on July 21, 2016 by decision of the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC), the Town Hall of Pratdip has lost all legal appeals. The latest ruling, dated May 10, 2021, sentenced it to pay €2000 for ignoring the enforcement of this dissolution. The Town Hall acknowledged this ruling by waiving its right to appeal to the Supreme Court.

In a State governed by the rule of law, respecting judicial decisions is a given. For example, the Town Hall of Mont-roig del Camp, faced with a similar case, complied with the ruling. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Pratdip, where the Town Hall refuses to apply the law and ignores judicial decisions. A clear choice for illegality.

A criminal complaint has become inevitable

Faced with this situation, and following the advice of our lawyer, the Board of the Association (President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Members) has decided to file a criminal complaint. We would have preferred to call a General Assembly, but the current health situation makes it impossible. Sadly, there is no other option.

Talks with the Town Hall were suspended after an unacceptable attempt at blackmail: if we agreed to sign for the creation of a new EUCC, with new charges and works estimated at €7 million, then only would public lighting be restored.
A little respect, Mr. Mayor!

Procedure and cost of the criminal case

The procedure involves two phases:

• Appointment of an investigating judge
• If the facts are confirmed, a trial is opened before the court

The whole process lasts about a year and a half and costs €4000.
Important: the complainant (us) cannot be sentenced.

A collective and supportive contribution

The urbanization has around 400 houses. Thanks to our action and the dissolution of the EUCC, each homeowner has saved between €4000 and €6000 since 2016 (some were paying between €800 and €1200 per year). Let’s not forget that this entity had been illegal since 1993, as confirmed by the TSJC.

Deprived of our rights for 5 years

For five years, the Town Hall has refused to provide the minimum public services to which we are entitled: no public lighting, many streets in a deplorable state, etc.

Yet, we pay property tax (IBI) amounting to around €250,000 per year. Added to that are capital gains taxes, construction permits, etc. The Town Hall collects, but does not deliver.

Three unanswered petitions

Through our lawyer, three formal requests were sent in September 2021:

• September 20: petition to the Town Hall requesting the application of Article 26 of Law 7/1985, which requires all municipalities to provide street lighting, waste collection, street cleaning, drinking water, sewage, access and road paving.
• September 23: petition to the Town Hall asking for details on the proposed €7 million budget for the works and the share to be covered by the municipality of Pratdip.
• September 23: identical petition sent to the Consell Comarcal del Baix Camp.

To this day, no response, despite the legal one-month deadline. It is unacceptable. The Town Hall is legally bound to answer and to provide essential public services.

How can you help?

If you want to help us get Planas out of this unacceptable situation, here’s how:

• If you are already a member of the Association, you can transfer €50 for the year 2021 to our account. Please include your name and address in Planas in the transfer details. You will receive an update bulletin by email.
• If you are a supporter (you support our cause without joining the Association), you can make a donation of any amount. If you wish to remain anonymous, include “anonymous” in the transfer.

Bank details

• Account holder: Frédérique Burgos (Treasurer)
• IBAN: LT65 3250 0165 6237 0308
• BIC: REVOLT21

Twelve years of struggle

It’s been twelve long years of fighting to make Planas a place of justice and rule of law. We don’t want a forced re-urbanization, but a fair repair of our urbanization, in accordance with the law.

We are close to the finish line. One last push.

Help us finish this work!

Association Vecinos de Planes del Rei (SOSPlanes)