According to the local branch of the opposition party in Almuñécar, PSOE, the ruling party (PP) completely ignored the wishes of Los Herradureños in a Plenary Meeting of the Town Council.

The problem is a licence for a large residential complex in Las Palomas on Cerro Gordo and in the opinion of the PSOE, the Mayor’s cabinet is “making money at the expense of our environmental heritage.”

It appears that the locals who are complaining and the PSOE are not alone in their opposition to this project because the other opposition parties are against it.

Again, it appears, that the Town Hall is in the process of giving building permission for a small housing complex on a private, green area and the deal is that the developer will cede land to the Town Hall for the construction of a padel court.

What sense it makes to change a undeveloped plot of land in the countryside into yet another housing complex and to have a sports facility arguably so far away from the village itself, does invite speculation as to its suitability.

The PSOE is also concerned that this will be just the first of several areas of hitherto unspoilt countryside that will receive permission under a Plan Parcial to build upon.

The said Plan Parcial allowed the construction of Las Palomas but left the beforementioned private land as green belt (officially or not).

A Plan Parcial is a sort of ammendment to a PGOU (General Urban Development Plan).

Editorial comment: When is the Town Hall going to make guarding our unspoilt areas a priority instead of filling the coffers with building-licence money?

(News: Herradura, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)

Keywords: Urban Development, Greenbelt, PP, PSOE, Las Palomas, Plan Parcial

news, andalucia, granada, costa tropical, herradura, urban development, greenbelt, PP, PSOE, las palomas, plan parcial

Reader’s comment: “I have lived in La Herradura for almost 18 years and it only recently that I have seen more and more parcels of land being sold up for development. One can argue that you cannot halt progress but on the other the fear could be that we will become very much like our far flung neighbours such as Benalmadena or Marbella…….If there is controlled and sustained development of the area but also reserving its natural beauty then it could be a win win for all.” – Deborah Johnson

Reader’s comment: “Do they really think a padel court will tempt local residents to approve of new developments. The new five-star hotel Daia has commenced building work on the seafront and if I remember correctly they also promised a padel court” – Julie

Reader’s comment: “I have a different perspective. Yes, green is good but so is affordable housing for local people serving the more afflulent and wealthy moving to the area. The affordable housing crisis is caused by the government. I have no problem increasing taxes if necessary to address this issue or a surcharge on new builds. Furthermore, the government should use its powers to claim land and abandoned property such as the two on Calle Real in La Herradura and use public money to build affordable housing.” – Paul Francis