Former Granadilla de Abona Mayor Faces Trial Over Médano Park Development
A former mayor and six council members are on trial for alleged irregularities in a 2004 urban development plan in El Médano, Tenerife.
In a significant legal case, the former mayor of Granadilla de Abona, Jaime González Cejas, along with six former council members, is set to face trial on October 2nd at the Provincial Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The charges relate to the Médano Park development plan, which was approved in 2004 amid alleged procedural irregularities.
The prosecution is seeking a ten-year ban from public office for González Cejas and varying sentences for the other accused. Central to the case is the claim that González Cejas, who held shares in the development company, participated in municipal decisions regarding the project without recusing himself, as required by law.
The development plan, covering 88,128 square meters, was designated for residential use, with additional space for commercial and infrastructure purposes. Despite the land being classified as non-ordered sectorized urbanizable land, the local government proceeded with the plan, which promised significant urban development benefits for the municipality.
Controversy arose over the urban development benefits the municipality was to receive, valued at nearly 927,500 euros. The opposition questioned the mayor’s involvement and the legality of the proceedings, eventually taking the matter to court.
Despite the legal challenges, the plan was initially approved by the local government, with the support of eleven council members, and was later ratified by regional planning authorities, albeit with conditions for amendments.
This case highlights the importance of due diligence when investing in property developments in Spain. Legal and procedural compliance is crucial, as projects can face significant delays or cancellations if irregularities are discovered. Investors should ensure that all necessary approvals are in place and that there are no conflicts of interest among decision-makers.
