The Ministry for Environment has notified the companies Santa Maria Golf Club and CREDOC S.L. that legal proceedings have been initiated including the termination of construction work being carried out by the mentioned companies in forestall areas that are classed as land unsuitable for building according to the current laws. The area in which they were working was called Monte Elviria in the Marbella area (Málaga).
This legal action has already uncovered a series of infractions that are particularly alarming such as levelled and broken ground, foundations for roadways and other infrastructures which have caused serious erosion and have eliminated plant life in the area. These were all carried out without any authorisation from the autonomous government. The damaged area covers over 61 hectares.
Those who committed the more serious crimes can be penalised with fines ranging between €60,000 and €300,000 regardless of the outcome of the legal proceedings. With these fines, they might also have to pay compensation for damage caused to the wildlife, ground, trees and shrubs. As a precautionary measure, the Council has ordered immediate termination of all work being carried out by the companies in the affected woodland areas.
These grounds, home to masses of cork trees, stone pines and dense shrubbery, are high in ecological value. With several streams joining up in that particular area, the scene is one of natural beauty.
