Arrecife council pleased with Islote appeal rejection

Arrecife’s council has expressed its pleasure at the decision of Spain’s Supreme Court to reject an appeal by the owners of the Islote del Frances that would have required the council to expropriate the land at significant cost.

The Islote, a piece of prime seafront property between Arrecife’s Marina and the Charco de San Ginés, has lain virtually unused for decades while legal disputes have raged about its possible use as publicly owned land. At one point, owners Inversiones Islote del Francés SL threatened to claim €200 million compensation for the land.

The Spanish Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the judgement at the Canarian Supreme Court in support of Arrecife and is the final decision that dictates that the land can be used for public purposes.

Arrecife’s Planning Councillor, Maciot Cabrera, said “The uncertainty is over. The Islote can be used by the public and there’s no need to pay millions in compensation. Today Arrecife can face the future with legal security.”