Hi there, I'm also a newbie.  I don't have any personal experience with the agents rural but I've heard from a friend that they can give you plenty of grief.  Having said that, I've not heard of them pulling down any dwellings in the area.  I'd be interested to hear if they have any real clout or are they like barking dogs.  I don't think you have any real choice but to approach the town hall in Tortosa but they do tend to quote the rule book when you ask for permission to reform rather than come out and look at the proposal and try and find a mutually acceptable solution.

Good luck with them anyway and let us know how you get on.
Furbydoggie