In a heated dispute, plans to erect 285 villas in a protected green zone on the Costa del Sol, Spain, have ignited fury among residents. The Asociación de Vecinos de El Palo (El Palo Residents’ Association) has unequivocally denounced the proposals, labelling the prospective development in the scenic environs of Monte San Antón as an “abomination”.
Residents argue that the construction would not only disrupt the natural landscape and biodiversity of the area but would also significantly contribute to traffic congestion on the western slope of the site.
With an estimated 650 vehicles expected from the three parking spaces allocated per villa, concerns about the project’s environmental impact and strain on local infrastructure are at the forefront of the community’s objections.
“We are fervently hoping that our collective protests will compel the government to reconsider this ill-fated project,” the association said, emphasising their determination to challenge the proposed development through sustained opposition.
The PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) has joined the chorus of dissent, branding the luxury housing project as ‘unacceptable’ in the face of an acute shortage of affordable housing in the region.
The backlash unfolds amid persistent worries regarding the preservation of Monte San Anton, which has faced previous threats from development projects.
In an alternative proposal, the Palo Neighbourhood Association advocates for transforming the zone into an expansive green space.
Their vision aims to protect the natural environment while also serving as a ‘great lung for the neighbourhood,’ aligning with the imperatives of climate change and the commitments of the 2030 Agenda.
As tensions escalate between local residents and the proposed luxury housing development, the fate of Monte San Anton remains uncertain.
