The Public Prosecutor is requesting a one year prison sentence for the Mayor of Benamargosa, José Gallego Pérez, and two Councillors on charges relating to the building of a dwelling on rural land.
The case dates back to 2001 when José Gallego Pérez, who was not then Mayor of Benamargosa, built a two-storey home, complete with swimming pool, on land not classified as appropriate for development.
Two years later, following a report of an infringement of municipal planning laws, the Mayor then allegedly presented a letter to the Council repeating a request for planning permission. Despite objections by the Town Clerk, the municipal architect approved a building license to rebuild an existing property which was deemed in such a state of ruin that renovation was not possible.
The Public Prosecutor is also requesting eight years disqualification from public office for the accused and the restitution of the land to its former state with José Gallego Pérez being liable for the costs of demolition of the property.