Work is underway to clear a plot of land along the Nacimiento River ravine in Orihuela Costa, where 64 townhouses are planned. However, the Orihuela City Council has not yet issued the necessary planning permission.
Originally, the site was designated for 24 larger single-family homes, but a project modification has nearly tripled the number, now proposing semi-detached houses between 90 and 95 square metres each.
Over the past week, tractors have been clearing vegetation from the Campoamor site, sparking concern among local residents. In response, the newly formed Costa Campoamor Residents’ Association is preparing to formally petition the mayor’s office, the Urban Planning Department, and Coastal Affairs to revoke the land’s developable status.
Residents argue that construction in this flood-prone area would endanger future homeowners and block natural water flow during heavy rains.
Despite these concerns, the Urban Planning Department insists the project has obtained necessary flood and environmental approvals from the Segura River Basin Authority.
Environmental groups, including Friends of the Sierra Escalona (ASE), strongly oppose the development, highlighting that the plot is adjacent to a “hazard zone 1,” the highest flood risk category. They argue that no homes should ever have been authorised so close to the Nacimiento River.
Further complicating matters, the site is located in an area classified with geomorphological risks under the Valencian Community’s flood prevention plan (Patricova).
In 2003, the City Council approved a partial plan change allowing residential development in the Y-1 Campoamor sector. Public groups now demand that this approval be revoked due to heightened flood risks.
Adding to the controversy, current Urban Planning Councilor Matías Ruiz was formerly the civil engineer who drafted the original project two legislative terms ago. Ruiz has clarified that he no longer has any involvement with the development in his current role.
Residents, environmentalists, and civic groups continue to pressure local and regional authorities to halt the project before any irreversible damage is done.
