The High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community has dismissed an appeal by a resident of Babilonia beach in Guardamar against a fine imposed for dumping stones on the sand. The court confirmed a 2,910-euro penalty and ordered the removal of the material from public maritime-terrestrial land.

The case dates back to April 2021, when coastal authorities reported a pile of stones placed in front of a row of seafront homes. The deposit followed a strong storm and was intended to protect a ground-floor property from wave damage. However, the homes had lost their state concessions in 2018 and no authorisation had been granted for the works.

Judges rejected arguments that the case had expired or that the offence was time-barred, noting that proceedings began in July 2021 and were resolved within the legal time limit. The court also found that, although workers carried out the dumping, the appellant was responsible because the work benefited his property.

The ruling states that emergency coastal defence works still require prior permission and must not harm the beach, which forms part of a Natura 2000 protected area. The resident has also been ordered to pay legal costs of up to 1,600 euros. The judgment is not final and may be appealed to the Supreme Court.