IIIPractice areas
Administrative, Planning and Real Estate
Proceedings and litigation before the public authorities, with particular dedication to town planning and land.
Everything decided against a public authority: a licence that never arrives, a penalty to be appealed, land whose classification changes, a compulsory purchase to be valued. It is the area with the most absolute deadlines, and here being late is usually beyond remedy.
- Administrative proceedings, general and special, and administrative litigation
- Town planning, land-use planning and the environment
- Development management: development boards and land reparcelling
- Planning enforcement, residential, industrial and commercial licences, and dereliction orders
- Compulsory purchase
- Public procurement and the financial liability of public authorities
- Local public finance: fees, taxes, special levies and public charges
- Water, mines, coasts, forestry, roads and ports
- Rural and urban leases, property conveyancing and valuations
- Building defects giving rise to ruin
What clients usually ask us
What can I do if a building or business licence has been refused?
A refusal can be appealed, but deadlines are short: generally one month for an appeal for reconsideration, if that route is chosen, and two months to go to the administrative courts. We review the decision and the file, check whether it complies with the planning rules and applicable regulations, and choose the route: appeal, correct and reapply, or negotiate with the Town Hall.
How do I challenge a fine or penalty imposed by the authorities?
It starts with submissions within the penalty proceedings themselves, which is where factual or procedural errors are easiest to correct. The final decision can be challenged through administrative appeals and then in the courts. Deadlines run from the very first notification: in administrative matters, being late usually closes the door.
What happens if my home has works without a licence?
It depends on how old the works are and whether they are compatible with the planning rules. In Andalusia, works completed years ago without a licence may already be in a situation where demolition can no longer be ordered, which is recognised by a municipal decision — the so-called «asimilado a fuera de ordenación» status —; with it, the property can be registered and sold safely. We study each case and handle the regularisation.
What are my rights if my land is expropriated?
To be paid fair compensation (justiprecio), set according to the legal valuation rules, plus a 5% premium. If the authority offers less, you may submit your own valuation, and the disagreement is settled by a provincial valuation body, whose decision can be challenged in court. Interest for late payment can also be claimed.
Does your case belong here?
Set out your situation briefly and we will tell you how to proceed, with no obligation on your part.