Story By: Maja Mishevksa, Sub Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

Police in Ibiza have caught a property owner attempting to convert an empty outdoor swimming pool into three rooms to rent to tourists.

The incident took place at a former restaurant located in Cami de ses Roques Males in Ibiza in the Spanish Balearic Islands where officers also found two garages and a van reportedly being used as accommodation.

The property owner, an unnamed Frenchman, told the police that he was only building a new staircase and they checked with the local planning office.

When they discovered that the owner did not permission, they revisited the man who admitted he did not have permits and then claimed he was building a water deposit, according to local media.

Reports said that the officers’ presence at the property alarmed a number of workers on the site who suddenly ran off.

When they asked the owner about it, he told the cops that some of them may not have permission to work and stay in Spain, according to local media.

It was then that officers checked the property and reportedly found several small rooms, two garages and a van being used as accommodation.

When they checked the pool area, which was covered to prevent neighbours from noticing the building works, they discovered that it was being converted into three rooms, possibly with the intention of renting them out, according to reports.

Police halted the construction work and informed the municipal authorities.

A council spokesperson told Central European News (CEN) that a case has been opened against the owner “who could face a fine”.

They added: “The sanction will be put forwards by the council and will then need to be rubber-stamped by the court.”

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