Transparent documentation of all permits, regulations, and legal frameworks governing the Wild Roots renaturation project. Working cooperatively with Portuguese authorities to ensure full compliance.
The existing structure predates modern building codes and benefits from legal protections for historical buildings.
Registered in the Caderneta Predial Urbana as Article 1827, the building is classified as a pre-1951 structure. This classification provides important legal protections under Portuguese building law.
The original building covers 206 square metres with a recorded height of 4.12 metres. One storey with three compartments, classified for residential use (Habitação).
Officially declared as a ruin on 10 May 2021. This declaration, combined with the pre-1951 status, establishes the legal basis for reconstruction rather than new construction.
The property’s rustic component (Matriz Rústica Nr. 38) is classified as CA — Cultura Arvense (arable farming), Class 3 (medium-low agricultural suitability). Total area: 2.325 hectares (23,250 m²).
Two key legal instruments provide the framework for the reconstruction and development of the property.
Decreto-Lei 10/2024 introduced simplified licensing procedures for building renovations and reconstructions. This “Simplex” framework reduces bureaucratic complexity and accelerates the permitting process for projects that restore existing structures, particularly in rural areas.
Article 60 of the Regime Jurídico da Urbanização e Edificação (RJUE) establishes the principle of existing building protection (Bestandsschutz). Pre-1951 buildings enjoy grandfathered rights, meaning they can be reconstructed to their original dimensions without requiring full compliance with current building codes.
The path from agricultural reserve land to integrated permaculture and renaturation use.
The land is currently classified under the Reserva Agrícola Nacional (RAN) as Classe 3 — medium to low agricultural suitability. This classification places restrictions on non-agricultural development.
We are pursuing reclassification to “Apoio Agrícola” (Agricultural Support), which permits structures directly supporting agricultural activity. Permaculture, renaturation, and ecological education are recognised agricultural support activities.
The Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional (CCDR) Algarve is the competent authority for RAN decisions in the Algarve region. Process reference: ER-RAN 179/2024.
This ordinance defines the types of activities and structures permitted within RAN areas. Alínea n) specifically covers buildings and infrastructure for agricultural support, providing the legal basis for our application.
Working within the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina (PNSACV) and Natura 2000 network.
The Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) oversees the PNSACV. Our project aligns with ICNF’s conservation objectives through habitat restoration and endemic species protection.
The property lies within the Natura 2000 network (Costa Sudoeste PTCON0012). Our renaturation programme directly supports the network’s habitat conservation objectives.
We commit to long-term ecological monitoring including biodiversity indices, soil health metrics, water quality, and vegetation recovery. All data is published via our open-access Data Hub.
Collaboration with the University of Algarve (UAlg), CEABN/ISA, cE3c, and CCMAR provides scientific rigour to our monitoring and ensures alignment with current conservation science.
Key milestones from acquisition to expected construction start.
Purchase completed via Escritura on 6 November 2024. Registered at Conservatória do Registo Predial de Tábua.
Meetings with Câmara Municipal de Vila do Bispo, CCDR Algarve, and ICNF. Architectural pre-study by ARCHIFUSION.
Submission of RAN reclassification request and building permit application under DL 10/2024 Simplex framework.
Anticipated permit decision from the relevant authorities.
Upon approval: reconstruction of the existing ruin and development of permaculture infrastructure.
Overview of all regulatory bodies involved in the permitting process.
Municipal authority responsible for issuing building permits (licença de construção) and urban planning compliance.
Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas. Responsible for Natura 2000 compliance and nature park regulations.
Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional. Handles RAN reclassification and regional spatial planning.
Direção-Geral de Agricultura e Desenvolvimento Rural / Direção-Geral do Território. National oversight of agricultural classification and land use.