ARCHIVED - Orihuela approves two thousand houses on last stretch of green coastline

Controversial Cala Mosca development in the Vega Baja, Alicante province, gets the given the green light

Image shows a protest by the Federación de Asociaciones de Orihuela Costa-Alicante in March 2017

Orihuela Council has approved a development project which includes the construction of 2,200 houses in what has been deemed the last stretch of "virgin" coastline free of urbanisations.

The plans have been heavily criticised over the years, with residents, environmentalists and political parties (PSOE and Cambiemos) opposed to the plans amid fears over an increase in traffic, access to the N-332, inadequate infrastructure and essential/emergency services and the impact on the local environment.

Land owner and developer, Gomendio, had previously threatened Orihuela Council with a €212 compensation claim for losses if the plans were not approved following a change in the land classification in the Valencian Parliament, stating that almost three quarters of the urbanisation works had already been carried out.

These included internal roads and the construction of an access roundabout, but work was halted after species of protected and endangered flora and fauna were discovered in the area.

However, the local authority's ruling parties, PP and Cuidadanos, have reportedly assured the plans have been modified to preserve the protected species.

All the same, the opposing parties have slammed the approval as "an aberration and an act of urban violence".

The Ministry of Mobility previously warned court action to annul the plans, stating that the the proposals "do not adequately contemplate the forecast increase of vehicles with a single exit to the nearby N-332". 

The developer has since sent a letter to the Orihuela Council in which it exempts the local authority from any liability in the event the ministry fulfills this warning.

Despite being given the green light by Orihuela Council during a plenary session on Wednesday, September 2, controversy continues and those opposed to the development have pledged to keep fighting.

According to the Territorial Action Plan, there is a five-year period from 2018 in which the Cala Mosca - A 1km stretch that joins with neighboring Cala Estaca through the Playa Flamenca promenade - must be developed.

IMAGE: FAOC-Federación de Asociaciones de Orihuela Costa-Alicante Facebook