It is a well-named software: Aigle. Coupled with the raptor eyes of a drone, it is able to detect in a few seconds the new constructions carried out on a plot from one year to the next. And so to identify those that have not been the subject of a building permit. A tool acquired by the DDTM 34 (Departmental Directorate of Territories and the Sea) 2 years ago, and which should make it possible to hunt down illegal constructions. With a wide range: from cabins to villas with swimming pools.
30,000 illegal constructions
This hunt has become the new hobbyhorse of the prefect of Hérault, Hugues Moutouh. Thursday, he participated in a tracking operation in Marsillargues. Several huts, houses and even restaurants built illegally have been listed. A first step that augurs a hardening of the tone. “There will be the first bulldozer demolitions during the summer”says Hugues Moutouh.
According to his services, there would be a thousand new illegal constructions in the department each year. Some, in flood zones or with a high fire risk, are particularly dangerous. They worry the mayor of Marsillargues, Patrice Speziale: “Look, here there is an illegal restaurant. But in case of flooding, we can have up to two meters of water in this place. And if there are ‘customers’ in danger, _it will be my responsibility as mayor to have allowed this installation to continue, which has no place to be._.”
The action of the prefect therefore corresponds to the expectations of this elected official. 250 minutes were drawn up last year by the DDTM. The objective is now to process even more cases “for _dissuade people from buying plots of agricultural land to settle there_it is illegal and we will come and destroy these constructions”, explains the prefect. Because for the time being, real estate pressure on the coast is one of the main drivers of this parallel habitat.