As a UK registered architect, I'd like to build something with micro-generation, renewable energy and recycled water in the area. Can anyone advise what the likelihood is of getting permission to do this in Terres de l'Ebre?
Or are the rules on new building in rural areas sooo strict?
thanks,

Hi,
Welcome to the forum, In my opinion if it isn't noisy, wasteful and expensive to use and damages the environment beyond repair you have a better chance of being invited to the popes wedding than getting permission.
From the Cedula kingdom of the E.U but other members might think differently. Just had a thought see New In Town on forum he may help.
Best of luck but wont hold my breath.
Yours Building advisor Bulldog. 

Hi Dinah,

Getting permission overhere is a pain, I agree with Bulldog. That said, it aint impossible. The big problem is to find out what the authorities like you to build (there is a lot info on the website of the generalitat, check the EIIP documents f.i.), for what projects they really give permission (not always what they want according the website info ;-) and the amount of time, money and paperwork you want to invest in your project without any guarantee on succes.

At the moment I'm in the middle of applying permission for putting a roof on an antique shed. Nothing fancy, just restoring what was there for 400 years in the same style. I delivered half a meter of paperwork (7 copies of technical plans, an agricultural declaration and an environmental study) and already waiting for more then ten months.....

But hey, who wants to be on the popes wedding anyway ;-)

Good luck,
Mark

Thanks for the message, and the welcome. I'd thought planning restrictions in UK were even tighter, but even in UK, very high environmental standards can achieve a planning permission in otherwise restricted locations.

The Pope has no intention of marrying any time soon - not whilst there are so many bunga bunga parties to go to - so don't hold your breath Dinah!

It took us 6 months to get permission to build a simple fence.

Hi Dinah,
Friends of ours purchased a small Finca with the intention of setting up a small Equestrian Centre, They submitted plans for the Centre that included a House, general opinion was that they were wasting their time, but after many months (maybe years), much form filing with numerous visits to Tarragona and god knows where the plans were passed but with many conditions mainly timescales for the completion of work.
It is possible to get planning but be very sure about the advise that you take as most seems to be open to individual interpretation and wil change from area to area. Good Luck  ;)

WHAT!!!!!!!
YOU NEED PERMISSION??????????
::) ::) ::) ::)

Hi C. J.
You haven't got permissions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( let me take my smelling salts ) If this is correct how did you get on the popes wedding list. While I'm at it you said throw salt on the fire, I did now the electric fire doesn't work ( and tell Philmountains I had the door open when I did it )
Yours a permission getting Bulldog. ( mus or minus ) 

Bulldog it's ok.
I just asked my Dad and he said go ahead son.
So permission is granted.
Got on the popes wedding list by looking up his cell phone numer on the internet. Just search for popemobile...
Not sure if the salt works on gas fires,
Hang on I will give it a go.
OOh fireworks :)

Hi,
To all concerned a special meeting of the gentle folks planning and development committee was called and chaired by myself and C J under the table, experts attended mainly Nobrot on showers, ebrorob on lighting, security was done by Frank ( new in town ) it was generally thought to solve Dinah's problem it would be best to make a 2000 page application to build a seven storey town house with a hanging roof garden and underground casino. With a one line clause at the end stating but would except a single storey two-bedroomed no electric or water Almacen instead.
Yours Gentle folks chairman Bulldog.      

Hello, You could try a little further south (of the ebro) in Valencia communidad. I live near Vinaros and know of several recent builds in the campo. You will still need to jump thro' hoops

You are all such optimistic souls! Thanks for your advice. Much appreciated. We're going to come and have a nose around in Feb, and talk to some friendly architects in Barcelona, and then who knows... ::)