In recent years, there has been a significant increase in illegal construction in the municipality of Loulé, especially through the installation of wooden or modular structures on rustic land.

In most cases, these buildings are intended for housing that does not meet legal requirements. Furthermore, they are often located in areas subject to administrative easements or public utility restrictions, as stipulated in the Municipal Master Plan (PDM) in force, namely in areas classified as National Agricultural Reserve (RAN) and National Ecological Reserve (REN).

Because of this, the council states that: “it is essential to once again alert all citizens that these illicit practices are subject to measures to protect urban legality. Such measures are provided for in Decree-Law No. 555/99 of December 16, in its most recent version, approved by Decree-Law No. 10/2024 of January 8, in particular in articles 102 to 109. The most severe sanction is the demolition of buildings if it is concluded that they are not eligible for licensing or legalisation”.

The council also adds that the recent change to the Urbanisation and Building Legal Regime (RJUE), in force since January 8, establishes the application of this regime to modular constructions. These are defined as structures that use modular construction systems, produced partially or entirely in a factory, and which can be fixed or transportable. “Therefore, these constructions are considered urban operations that require a prior favourable opinion from the City Council, without prejudice to the need for opinions from other entities, as stipulated in the RJUE or in specific legislation”.

Due to this situation, the council is working to raise awareness among all owners and potential purchasers of rural land about the importance of obtaining correct information before investing in constructions or structures that may be considered illegal.

“Carrying out these works may result in the preparation of reports and the application of severe sanctions, including charges of crimes of violation of urban planning rules and administrative possession for the coercive demolition of the buildings.

“In addition to the financial and legal damages to offenders, these situations represent a diversion of essential public resources (if coercive demolition is carried out, with all the logistics inherent to the procedure), resources that could be channelled towards the basic needs of the population. After the demolition, the expense will be invoiced to the offending citizen.

“Furthermore, there is a negative environmental impact, with significant damage to the landscape and natural heritage of the municipality”.