Costa del Sol expat warns Spain’s development is costing residents their quality of life

A seasoned Costa del Sol resident has expressed concerns that Spain's development strategy is compromising the quality of life for existing inhabitants. Steve Marshall, who relocated to Spain almost three decades ago with his family, contends that the pursuit of growth has overshadowed the needs of current residents. Marshall elucidates that his family initially moved to Spain seeking an enhanced quality of life.

However, he now finds that the equilibrium between development and resident well-being has been significantly disrupted.

According to Marshall, authorities are fixated on constructing on all available land without considering the requisite infrastructure. He highlights the need for balanced development, wherein new homes must be accompanied by investments in infrastructure such as roads, parking, water, sewage, healthcare facilities, and law enforcement.

He warns that the consequences are already evident in the daily lives of residents, particularly the elderly, who may face challenges navigating crowded streets and dealing with increased traffic.

For those reliant on personal vehicles due to the lack of local public transport, Marshall's concerns are heightened. He emphasizes the heightened risks associated with driving due to the excessive traffic. While recognizing the role of development in Spain's economy, job creation, and progress, Marshall objects to unregulated growth that disregards the needs of the people already living in the region.

Housing affordability is another pressing issue for Marshall, especially for elderly residents on fixed incomes. He notes that rising home prices and rental costs have made it increasingly difficult for some older residents to afford even basic living arrangements. Marshall also points out the substantial deposits required to purchase properties, further complicating the process of finding a new home.

Marshall believes that local authorities must prioritize community needs in planning decisions rather than solely focusing on economic growth. He recounts reaching out to his local Foreign Residents Department with his concerns and subsequently being directed to the Planning Department, though he was informed that no response was obligatory.

Marshall underscores the importance of residents having a voice in decisions impacting their quality of life, stating that development should not come at the expense of a decent quality of life.