Suspension of an Improvement Plan to Build a Hotel in Cala d’Aigua Xelida
The Urban Planning Commission of Girona has taken the decision to suspend the improvement plan that allowed the construction of a 66-room hotel in Cala d’Aigua Xelida due to a lack of reports. Palafrugell City Council (Baix Empordà) had approved this plan in January, amid protests from the environmental organization SOS Costa Brava. Now, the decision has been taken due to the lack of additional reports required by the Department of Land to the City Council.
Reactions to the Suspension Decision
SOS Costa Brava celebrates the decision of the Urbanism commission considering the landscape impact that will be avoided by not building the complex, which would include a swimming pool and spa. The entity qualifies the hotel as a business with devastating consequences for the future of the virgin green area of the Costa Brava.
Controversy and Positions During the Approval of the Plan
The approval of the urban improvement plan was not a process free of controversy, with votes in favor of the municipal government and opposition from parties such as the Commons and ERC. Members of SOS Costa Brava protested during the plenary session against the hotel construction project in Cala de Tamariu.
Repercussions of the Suspension of the Plan
The suspension of the Urban Improvement Plan for Aigua Xelida directly affects the construction project of the hotel, which had 66 rooms, a swimming pool and a spa. This decision calls into question the previous agreements with the developers and the possible compensations that the City Council could have to face.
Reactions of the Parties Involved
SOS Costa Brava reiterates its opposition to the project considering it a tourism business with devastating consequences for the environment. This decision reinforces the need to protect areas threatened by urbanization, such as Puig de la Trona, according to the environmental organization.
Position of ERC and the Demand to Stop the Project
ERC de Palafrugell is asking for the project to be halted in order to minimize its impact on the landscape. The training considers that this type of project must be appropriate to the characteristics of the territory and its needs.