Yet More Concrete as Orihuela Council Redesignates Coastal Service Land for Properties

The Orihuela City Council has voted in favor of reclassifying two plots of land in the Horizonte residential area, previously designated for private healthcare, social, and administrative facilities. The plots, totaling 2,188 square meters, lie near the planned Las Vistas development at Cala Mosca. Developers Costa Mar Torrevieja Internacional seek permission to convert the land for hotels, shops, offices, sports, leisure facilities, and additional housing.

The council's preliminary environmental assessment, while not final approval, clears the main hurdle and allows the controversial rezoning to proceed. The developer argues that the land's current designation no longer aligns with the "tourist and residential reality" of Orihuela Costa, despite the area already containing around 30,000 homes, many of which are second residences.

Municipal officials dismissed concerns from residents that the rezoning would result in a permanent loss of land for potential healthcare or social facilities, stating that the plots were never reserved for publicly managed services. Instead, the council maintains that the rezoning will make the planning rules more "flexible" by allowing for compatible commercial and residential uses.

However, the proposal has reignited criticism that Orihuela Costa is primarily seen as a property development opportunity, despite ongoing complaints about inadequate public infrastructure, healthcare provision, and municipal services.