A wooden structure built without permission on agricultural land in Antigua must be demolished and the area restored to its legal state, according to a ruling from the Canary Agency for the Protection of Natural Resources. The decision, released by the Fuerteventura Council, follows a report filed in 2024 by environmental agents.
The ruling finds that the construction conflicts with planning regulations and that necessary permits for its legalisation have not been obtained.
This action is part of ongoing surveillance efforts against unauthorised constructions conducted by the Council, the Canary Islands Government, the six local municipalities, local police, and the Civil Guard.
The Council warns that building without approval can lead to penalties beyond just fines. Under the Canary Islands Land and Protected Natural Spaces Law, serious infractions can incur fines of up to €600,000, in addition to the obligation to restore legality.
If the deadline to restore the land is not met, further coercive fines can reach €3,000 per month, up to a maximum of ten months. The authorities may also carry out the restoration work directly and charge the costs to the responsible party.
On 15 September, a simultaneous inspection operation took place in La Oliva, Puerto del Rosario, Antigua, and Tuineje, involving technicians from the Canary Agency, environmental agents from the Council, the SEPRONA emergency unit, and local police. The inspections resulted in 64 potential violations being noted. Between 2023 and 2026, there have been 26 voluntary legal restorations documented.
The Council emphasises that purchasing a container, prefabricated house, or modular structure does not automatically allow for its legal installation on any plot of land. It urges residents to check with their local council for permitted uses and necessary permits before proceeding with such installations.
