The Orihuela government is taking renewed steps to unlock the construction of hundreds of homes on a second-line plot in Mil Palmeras. The local executive is seeking the Plenary’s approval to send the project file to Valencia in hopes of obtaining a favourable environmental impact statement from the Generalitat.
Efforts to move forward with development in the B1-a Mil Palmeras sector have faced roadblocks since 2013. The most recent attempt was in December 2022, when then-Councillor for Urban Planning, José Aix (Cs), initiated a public exhibition of the developer’s submitted documentation.
Despite these efforts, the project stalled as it failed to secure the necessary environmental approval. Missing reports from third-party authorities were cited as a key reason for the Generalitat’s inability to issue a ruling.
The project has consistently faced significant opposition during public exhibitions. Objections have come primarily from local neighbourhood associations in Campoamor and environmental groups such as Amigos de Sierra Escalona (ASE) and Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante (AHSA).
These groups remain steadfast in their efforts to prevent further urbanization on the Orihuela coast, citing long-standing concerns about environmental degradation.
Critics argue that part of the land in the proposed development area, located between the Barranco Rubio and Cañada Hermosa gullies, poses geomorphological risks as outlined in the Valencian Community’s flood map, known as Patricova.
Additionally, portions of the land may fall within the public domain of the coastal area, further complicating development plans.
Despite these challenges, the current municipal executive, led by PP and Vox, has taken a new approach. According to a decree signed by Urban Planning Councillor Matías Ruiz and General Coordinator Adrián Ballester, the updated documentation, including all previously missing reports, will be sent to the Generalitat’s General Directorate of Urban Planning. This move is intended to secure a new environmental impact assessment.
The proposed development envisions a large central green area, a plot designated for educational use, and a total area of approximately 159,000 square meters, with the capacity for 954 homes and an estimated 2,385 new residents.
However, concerns over the preservation of protected flora species, such as the cat’s head jarilla, continue to be a point of contention.
The sector has remained undeveloped since the 1980s, when initial buildings and a hotel were controversially constructed on public maritime land.
This occurred just as the Coastal Law came into effect, further complicating the legacy of urbanization in the area.
Now, all eyes are on the Generalitat as Orihuela’s government takes another shot at advancing this contentious project.
