The transformation of the old Air Force base in Motril into a temporary immigrant holding centre has been stopped by the Town Hall.

Why? Well, you could consider that the Mayor, sensing the pulse of the Motrileños, had elections in mind, but the reason given was that the conversion work did not have all the necessary paperwork in order.

The Town Hall inspectors paid a visit, asked to see the building licence and not finding one ordered a down tools.

The Town Hall says that it is surprised that the Central Government never bothered to request one from the municipal authorities. Rather than surprised, perhaps, they were over the moon at this lapse.

There is also the little question whether the PGOU – a document that stipulates what land can be developed and for what use – permits this category of building on that particular land.

If the work is allowed to go ahead, then when finished it will house 500 immigrants, which is four times the capacity of the existing installations in the port. The project duration is four months from the cement mix to the last lick of paint.

(News: Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)