For several years, the State has multiplied operations against illegal constructions in Languedoc and Roussillon. On February 1, a house built in the absence of any planning permission on non-constructible land in an agricultural zone was razed with a bulldozer. The operation took place in Pouget, a town in Hérault located about forty kilometers northwest of Montpellier.
Several court decisions had required the restoration of the plot. “Despite the injunctions resulting from the judgment of the Montpellier Court of Appeal of July 9, 2020, the formal notices and fines, the owner refused to restore his plot while deliberately continuing to enlarge the plot. disputed building, explains the prefecture. Consequently, and as a last resort, the prefect decided to proceed with the demolition of the illegal property at the expense and risk of the convicted person. »
856 court decisions since 2012
Since 2012, in the Hérault, 856 court decisions have been pronounced for acts of illegal construction and installations. Nearly 80% of the decisions gave rise to a reinstatement measure under penalty. “The actions must continue and increase in power: by multiplying control operations, prosecuting owners in an illegal situation and, when necessary, the destruction of property”, warns the prefect Hugues Moutouh, engaged in the fight against “cabanisation” (illegal constructions). “Mayors must ensure, on the territory of their municipality, the strict application of regulations to preserve agricultural and natural land. »