The environmental group Gena-Ecologistas en Acción has complained to Vélez-Málaga Council about the increasing number of allotments springing up in the municipality.
Some plots of land, particularly around El Rubeltor urbanisation, have been subdivided into smaller allotments and rented out for horticultural or agricultural purposes.
Although GENA approves of the basic concept, especially if it is done with regard to the ecology of the area and provides an alternative leisure activity which also provides nutritional sustenance, they are not happy with the way things are being done.
The areas are being fenced with varying materials and plastic coverings are being used, making them environmentally unfriendly as well as looking tacky and spoiling the image of the area.
In addition, GENA fears the proliferation of various structures, such as sheds and toilets, on each of the small plots followed, eventually, by the construction of swimming pools and, as has happened in other areas, some sort of living accommodation.
The end result, say GENA, is a new settlement, an urban sprawl, which does nothing to enhance the municipality. Quite the opposite in fact.
GENA wants to see the Council exercise more control over such areas and activities, establishing clear rules and issuing licences for such activities.