The Return of Cranes to Las Espeñetas: A New Housing Development in Orihuela

The city of Orihuela is set to witness the return of construction activity in Las Espeñetas, where a developer has submitted a request for building licenses to construct 24 of the planned 300 residential units in the area. Urban Planning Councillor Matías Ruiz announced the development during a session that addressed various issues in the city, including a motion by Cambiemos that called for the resignation of Isabel Rodríguez, the Minister of Housing from the PSOE party.

Background on the Development

This urban development, according to Councillor Ruiz, has been mired in delays for years. The main challenge has been the lack of electrical supply, which has stalled the construction of multiple vacant lots in the area. Ruiz stated that the government has “partially” overcome this hurdle. Specifically, the construction will take place near three vacant lots adjacent to the municipal sports center and Mayor Antonio Lozano Park.

Environmental Concerns

However, the project has raised some eyebrows due to serious flooding risks. Runoff from Monte San Miguel and the Cerro de Las Espeñetas flows toward this area, where water has been known to pool, exacerbated by a barrier effect created by the western ring road. This road connects the N-340 highway to the Palacio del Agua and the Ociopía Shopping Center. To address this persistent issue, the city is preparing to start works on a new sewer line designed to channel excess water towards the Segura River, ultimately mitigating flooding threats for existing and future buildings.

Wider Urban Planning Context

The announcement regarding the Las Espeñetas project underscores a wider issue of limited housing availability in Orihuela’s urban core. Councillor Ruiz pointed out that many urban plans (PAUs) are at a standstill, with ongoing legal battles affecting projects like PAU 12, which spans both the northern and southern sectors near the former Son Sánchez factory and the IES Thader.

Furthermore, the PAU 8, which aims to develop commercial areas along the Hurchillo road south of the railway tracks, also faces significant flooding challenges. Current regional legislation allows for corrective measures, such as land elevation, to be approved by the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS).

On the coastal front, the ongoing processing of PAU 7 will potentially unlock a considerable amount of land for protected housing. Ruiz also highlighted growth opportunities in the pedanías, specifically in PAU 14 in La Murada and UA-1 in Arneva.

Conclusion

The upcoming construction in Las Espeñetas represents a crucial step forward for Orihuela in addressing its housing needs. However, as the project moves ahead, city officials must remain mindful of the environmental implications and logistical challenges that affect development in this region.

For more details, you can read the original article on La Verdad.