Alejandro Marichal: “The improvement of commercial areas is part of the leap in quality that we are promoting, and it allows us to boost economic activity, improve the visitor experience and strengthen the commercial fabric of the municipality.”
Davinia Ramírez: “It’s not about occupying more space, but about better organizing the space that already exists, guaranteeing security, urban quality and economic activity.”
The City Council will submit to the next Plenary Session the final approval of the urban planning modification of plot C-3 in Meloneras, an action that will allow the modernization and improvement of existing kiosks, optimizing their use, without increasing the occupation of public space or the impact on the promenade.
The proposal introduces adjustments to building regulations that facilitate better vertical organization of the buildings, while maintaining the occupied area and overall volume. This moves towards a more efficient model that improves the functionality of these commercial spaces without consuming more land or altering the surrounding environment.
Furthermore, the initiative reinforces respect for public space and helps to regulate the use of the promenade, ensuring accessibility and safety in one of the busiest tourist areas of the municipality. The goal is to continue progressing towards a more balanced, orderly, and well-maintained environment.
This action is framed within the need to adapt the current planning after the annulment of the Modernization, Improvement and Increase of Competitiveness Plan (PMM), recovering the validity of the PGOU and allowing legal coverage to be given to an existing reality, ordering the commercial activity in the space it occupies.
The proposal also includes an economic sustainability analysis that guarantees the project will not entail any cost for the City Council, as the necessary interventions will be undertaken by the developers. Furthermore, the increased development rights will generate revenue for the administration through municipal taxes and fees, such as the Construction, Installations and Works Tax (ICIO) and the corresponding payment for the increased building area, reinforcing the project's economic viability.
Councilwoman Davinia Ramírez emphasized that “this is not about occupying more space, but about better organizing the space that already exists, guaranteeing safety, urban quality and economic activity,” and added that “this modification clarifies the rules, prevents inappropriate uses of public space and provides security for both economic activity and the entire promenade.”
For his part, the first deputy mayor, Alejandro Marichal, pointed out that “the improvement of the commercial areas is part of the leap in quality that we are promoting, and allows us to boost economic activity, improve the visitor experience and strengthen the commercial fabric of the municipality.”
With this proposal, the City Council continues to advance its strategy of improving and renovating the main tourist areas of the municipality, opting for a model based on the balance between economic development and environmental protection.
Background of the case
The project was initiated in 2021 at the request of the developer and has undergone a complete administrative and environmental review process for over four years. In December of that year, the City Council approved its continuation and the initiation of the simplified strategic environmental assessment. In March 2023, the favorable strategic environmental report was issued, and initial approval was granted, opening the corresponding public consultation period.
During this process, favorable sectoral reports were incorporated and the submitted objections were addressed, adjusting the initial proposal to strengthen its alignment with current planning regulations and ensure a balanced development of the project. In this regard, the proposal was modified during its processing to adapt the urban planning parameters, maintaining a balance between improving economic activity and respecting the environment.
After completing all the technical and legal reports, the proposal is now submitted to the Plenary for final approval.
