Summary
- The Alicante City Council approved key urbanistic modifications in the Vistahermosa sector APA/9, allowing a private hospital’s classification change from residential to tertiary-special use.
- The decision passed with votes from PP and Vox,while PSPV and Compromís opposed it,citing irregularities and public interest concerns.
- the city will now send the documentation to the Conselleria of habitat,Infrastructure,and Territory for final approval.
- All objections to the modification were dismissed or deemed inadmissible, including those from PSPV and a private individual.
- Opposition leaders warn that this legal change essentially regularizes previously unauthorized construction work.
Alicante Advances Urban Planning Change to Support Private Hospital Construction in Vistahermosa
The City Council of Alicante has taken a meaningful step in urban planning this July by approving the provisional modification number four of the partial plan for the APA/9 Vistahermosa sector. This modification reclassifies the urban block M-15, currently under construction as a private hospital, from residential single-family housing to tertiary-special use.
Details of the urban Planning Modification
This modification allows the private hospital project to increase its building capacity, including the possibility of adding an additional floor to the current plan. It is indeed based on Article 93.A of the General Urban Development Plan (PGOU) urban rules, which was recently expanded to accommodate such changes.
| Political Group | Vote |
|---|---|
| People’s Party (PP) | In Favor |
| Vox | In Favor |
| Socialist Party of the Valencian Community (PSPV) | Opposed |
| Compromís | Opposed |
Controversy and opposition
The decision received support from PP and Vox,while PSPV and Compromís rejected it. The opposition has voiced strong criticism regarding the process and the implications:
- PSPV’s objections: Party spokesperson Ana Barceló criticized the modification for legalizing a private hospital that has already exceeded construction permits,arguing this is a case of “urbanism tailored to private interests.” Barceló threatened judicial challenges against the council’s resolution.
- Compromís concerns: Councilor Sara Llobell highlighted that the modification represents a significant shift in the city’s urban planning model, favoring private healthcare infrastructure over public facilities, while more urgent public projects remain stalled.
- Vox’s stance: Even though acknowledging earlier mismanagement allowed construction beyond authorized limits, Vox defended the hospital project as a legal investment and a possibly beneficial option for Alicante’s residents.
Rejected Allegations and Legal Nuances
All allegations against the urban modification were dismissed or declared inadmissible by the council. Notably, the submissions by PSPV councilors Ana Barceló and Trini Amorós were considered invalid due to lack of official standing. Simultaneously occurring,opposition figures and a private individual-which incidentally presented near-identical documentation-saw their claims rejected.
The city’s vice mayor,Manuel Villar,noted the similarity between the socialists’ and the private individual’s complaints,emphasizing that the management has responded to all submissions nonetheless.
Next Steps and Regulatory Oversight
The approved provisional modification will now be forwarded to the Conselleria of Environment, Infrastructure, and Territory-the regional body responsible for urban planning-for definitive ratification.
Importantly, the local government clarified that the approval does not exempt the construction company, MPT Alicante, from paying sanctions related to previous irregularities during construction, which violated permits granted in 2022.
What This Means for Alicante’s Urban Future
This case highlights ongoing debates about balancing private investment with public interest in urban development. Alicante’s current administration appears focused on facilitating controlled urban changes that may encourage private sector initiatives, such as new healthcare infrastructures. However, critics remain concerned about openness, legal adherence, and prioritizing the community’s broader needs.
Speedy Facts:
- Location: APA/9 Vistahermosa,Alicante
- Modification Focus: Urban block M-15 reclassified from residential to tertiary-special use
- Building Impact: Increased building height by one level allowed
- Pending Body: Conselleria of Environment,Infrastructure,and Territory for final approval
- Key Stakeholders: MPT Alicante (construction firm),Vithas Alicante SL (previous complainant),Alicante City Council
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