New decree affecting coastal municipalities in Andalucia

The Governing Council of the Junta de Andalucia has approved a legislative decree on urgent measures needed to bring urban planning in the coastal municipalities in line with the sustainability requirements of the Spatial Plan of Andalucia (POTA). This means the precautionary suspension of the processing of all projects relating to urban land where they do not conform to the requirements for the protection of the coastal strip as set out in regional legislation for spatial planning.

Of the 62 coastal municipalities in Andalucia, only 10 have adapted their PGOU to conform with the POTA.

Falling under this legislation is the Plan for the Protection of the Coastal Corridor which will protect undeveloped areas and prevent damage to the landscape and the loss of valuable ecosystems. This space covers 15 percent of the land surface of Andalucia and is home to 40 percent of its population. It is also a prime asset for tourism and the main economic activities of the region.

The suspension, with immediate effect, will remain in force until the new plan is submitted for public scrutiny, within six months. Thereafter, until final approval within two years, the injunction will remain in force only on the grounds expressly identified in the document.

The following municipalities have not adapted their PGOU (General Plan) to the POTA and are therefore immediately affected by the new legislation:

Almería: Adra, Almería, Berja, Carboneras, Cuevas de Almanzora, El Ejido, Enix, Garrucha, Mojácar, Níjar, Pulpí, Roquetas de Mar, Vera

Cádiz: Algeciras, Barbate, Los Barrios, Chiclana de la Frontera, Chipiona, Conil de la Frontera, La Línea de la Concepción, El Puerto de Santa María, Puerto Real, Rota, San Fernando, San Roque, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera

Granada: Albuñol, Almuñécar, Gualchos, Lújar, Motril, Polopos, Rubite, Salobreña, Sorvilán

Huelva: Almonte, Ayamonte, Cartaya, Huelva, Isla Cristina, Lepe, Lucena del Puerto, Moguer, Palos de la Frontera, Punta Umbría,

Málaga: Algarrobo, Benalmádena, Casares, Estepona, Fuengirola, Málaga, Manilva, Marbella, Mijas, Nerja, Rincón de la Victoria, Torremolinos, Torrox, Vélez-Málaga

The few who have adapted their PGOU to the POTA are:

Almería: El Ejido, Roquetas de Mar
Cádiz: Los Barrios, Cádiz, San Roque, El Puerto de Santa María, Puerto Real.
Málaga: Fuengirola, Málaga, Marbella

Only very recently, Nerja shelved the amending of its PGOU and cancelled the contract with the team preparing the new document (for the past eight years).

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