Residents in Barcelona's central Raval district are raising alarms over an allegedly "fraudulent" building containing 17 to 20 flats. This structure was reportedly built two decades ago in the interior courtyards of two adjacent buildings on Erasme de Janer street.
Neighbours claim the developer used a 1977 construction permit in 2006 to erect the building. They describe the flats as "subhuman," with living conditions barely adequate. "They used a 1977 construction permit in 2006 to create this, and between 17 and 20 subhuman flats have been installed here, which are practically uninhabitable," local sources told Metrópoli.
The small studios, approximately 40 square metres, offer only basic amenities: a kitchen, bathroom, windows, and a sleeping area. Residents also report constant drainage obstructions and structural damage. "The tanker appears here every few weeks," neighbours stated, adding, "there are also leaks, damage to downpipes, and cracks in the homes due to dampness."
The building, located between numbers 9 and 11 on Erasme de Janer street, even has a handwritten "11 bis" on its letterbox, suggesting an invented address. The property's ownership remains unclear, though some information points to a Syrian national owning it and leasing the flats. These flats are primarily rented to Filipino individuals for around €900 per month.
Tenants access their homes through a disused door, which once led to a corridor connecting the courtyards. The flats themselves are reportedly unfinished, with sections of the ceiling missing. The Raval, part of the Ciutat Vella district, is one of Barcelona's most densely populated areas. It faces ongoing challenges with housing quality and urban planning, impacting its over 100,000 residents.
Residents Raise Concerns with City Hall
Neighbours have formally complained to the Ajuntament de Barcelona. They directed their request to Alfons Molons, a Junts councillor and Vice-President of the Ciutat Vella district. The complaint requested an inspection for "possible urban planning infringement" and a detailed report on the building's condition.
"About a month ago, they came to conduct a review with firefighters," local sources confirmed, "who are now preparing a report on the building's construction." This inspection marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing complaints from the community.
Building Listed for Sale
Despite the ongoing complaints and inspections, the allegedly "illegal" building was recently listed for sale on several property portals. It has now found a buyer, according to sources from La Casa Agency, one of the real estate firms involved. La Casa Agency confirmed the sale, stating that "all documentation was in order" and they found "no irregularities."
However, the agency described the property as a "warehouse" rather than a typical building. The last listed price for the 1,172-square-metre property was €1,300,000, or €1,109 per square metre, before its removal on 12th March.
Residents believe the developers exploited an old permit for a small tool shed. They then constructed a much larger building, calling it "an invented thing." The outcome of the Ajuntament's inspection and the new ownership remains critical for the building's future and the well-being of its tenants and surrounding neighbours.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
