Tax bill forces property sale

It was announced today that popular singer Ana Torroja - formerly of the Spanish group Mecano, will be selling property she owns in Camp de Mar - the villa of the late artist and legendary spy Tomás Harris - following a court case in Palma over unpaid tax.

Work halted on sand dune development

Andratx City Council has ordered the suspension of the construction of 60 apartments on the dunes of Camp de Mar, even though planning permission had been granted by the City Council in 2004.

An extraordinary meeting of local and Government officials convened to stop building work for three months while archaeological examinations take place.

If the newly discovered structure is to be preserved, then the developer's planned estate could be cancelled.

Outrageous development could go ahead

Plans to construct 11 apartment blocks on land of ecological interest is being strongly opposed by the community in Camp de Mar. 

As planning permission had already been granted by a previous administration, the local government is powerless to stop the construction work due to take place on the dunes behind the beach and located between the Playa Camp de Mar and H10 Blue Mar (formerly the Lido Palace) hotels.

The land under threat

Attempts to overturn the permit have failed, although the developer has requested 34 million Euros in compensation from the Council if they want them stop the project going ahead.

From this figure you can guess that each apartment is expected to be on the market for around half a million Euros each - and possibly joining the scores of other existing empty properties around the area.

Only an unfavourable report by the Director General of Water Resources of the Balearic Government might put paid to the destruction of this unique habitat for thistles and the sea lily.

2.8 million Euro upgrade for local sewage works

There was good news for residents and visitors to Camp de Mar this week when the Lorenzo Gutierrez - the Minister of Environment - and the mayor of Andratx - Llorenç Suau - signed a deal to comprehensively reform sewage treatment in Camp de Mar.

Work is expected to begin in the Summer that will enable the plant to treat 70% more effluent in order to cope with a population of around 8,000 people.

Healthy profits at TUI

TUI, parent company of Thomson Holidays, reported today record mainstream underlying operating profits of £514m (2012: £420m), up 22% on last year.

The UK part of the business declared an underlying operating profit growth of 27% - thanks to increased (profit) margins on holidays.

Further good news is that they are introducing newer planes to their fleet... hopefully with wider seats.

Full results as a downloadable PDF presentation here: http://goo.gl/aKy7FT

Tomás Harris art for sale

We have recently been contacted by a gentleman in Andratx who has a number of Tomás Harris oil paintings, lithographs and dry point etchings in his collection that he wishes to dispose of. 

Anyone interested in this famous (Camp de Mar) artist's work should contact us via info@camp-de-mar.info and we will pass on the message.

Property construction continues, but no buyers yet!

The new development by Taylor Wimpey alongside the Dorint hotel and golf course, that we reported on back in May, is progressing well. The ground floor of the first block of two and three-bedroomed townhouses has been built, and work continues on preparing the site for the remainder. More details of the project (and prices) can be found here.

Meanwhile, the new double villa - the one that looks more like a couple of office blocks (photo above) - that was built overlooking the resort a couple of years ago still remains on the depressed market. Things must be so desperate now that they're trying to flog the 16 million Euro edifice with a listing in the New York Times.

Elsewhere, dozens of apartments and villas remain empty as the recession in Spain maintains its tight grip. Even with yesterday's news of a 0.1% growth in the economy we doubt that there will be a surge of buyers heading to Camp de Mar in the near future.

New timetables for Camp de Mar bus service starts October 1st.

From Tuesday, October 1st. the TIB bus service 102 that serves Port D'Andratx, Camp de Mar, Paguera, Santa Ponca and Palma begins a new timetable.

The changes see the late evening service from the Port D'Andratx Club de Vela stop discontinuing. Instead, services after 21:25 will begin at the sa Llonja stop. Likewise, buses from Palma will not be stopping at Club de Vela after 21:15.

Other changes are a reduced frequency during the day as the tourist season draws to a close.

Bus route 100, 104, 105, 106, 107 and the 111 are also subject to timetable changes. For more information visit the TIB public transport website

Wildfires under control, but 1800 hectares have suffered so far...

There was good news as firefighters confirmed that the ecological and environmental disaster that has consumed 1,800 hectares of pine forest and woodland across the North West of the island, since an allegedly discarded barbecue started a fire in Andratx on Friday, was now 'under control'.

The blaze had roared its way westwards, past the villages of S’Arraco, Estellencs, and Banyalbufar, then inland towards the communities of Puigpunyent and Galatzo, devasting a large area. Cinders even fell as far as Soller and there were worries that the historic area of Valldemossa would become a victim.

Experts have suggested it could take many decades for the areas to recover, so parts of the Mallorca we have loved and cherish will not return to how we once knew them in our lifetimes.

Andratx pledges to keep Camp de Mar clean

The Environmental Department in Andratx has launched a campaign to reduce the number of cigarette butts left on the beaches in its remit.

Unlike the cans and bottles we saw, butts are biodegradable over time, but any type of litter is unsightly and unnecessary. This beach litter was noticeable during our recent stay, despite the efforts of the regular cleaners who sift the sand.

The campaign comes as the department unveils its new corporate logo with a pledge to keep the beaches around Andratx clean and retain the Blue Flag Award held by the Camp de Mar beach.

Full story here.