Mallorca: GOB calls for ban on new rural pools

New swimming pools on Mallorca’s rural land should be banned under the Balearic Islands’ draft farming law, environmental group GOB says. Representatives from Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza made the demand to the Balearic Islands’ Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, at a meeting in Palma, Mallorca, on Wednesday 14 October. They want the law to keep farms financially viable without weakening protection for agricultural land.

Pools, tourist rooms and planning rules

GOB fears the draft law could encourage property deals and make it easier to use farmland for tourism. It objects in particular to a proposal that could allow modern agricultural buildings to be turned into rooms for tourists. It wants firm safeguards against new buildings and the spread of residential and leisure uses across rural land.

The group also says parts of the draft could clash with planning rules already approved by individual islands. Another provision could let some older agricultural buildings without ordinary planning approval be brought within the rules. GOB wants that provision reviewed and stricter safeguards against the legalisation of irregular buildings.

Support for family farms

GOB backs financial help for farmers, particularly small and medium-sized professional farms. It also wants measures to support organic farming and a study of a basic income for people who farm while taking on environmental and agroecological commitments.

The draft’s proposed land banks have GOB’s support, but the group says they must work in practice as a public tool, not merely exist in the law.

Topics: Agriculture · Environment · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com