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9 - 15 March 2017
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
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ISSUE NO. 1653
EU reopens Cala Mosca file By Matt Ford As the controversial plan to construct 1,500 new homes at Cala Mosca in Orihuela appears to be closer to the green light than ever, angry residents are digging in their heels. Following last week’s European Parliament decision to reopen the file on the long-mooted scheme, more than 300 people gathered on Flamenca beach to express their collective disgust at the proposed project. As previously reported, the wrangling has been ongoing for more than a decade, with resi-
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dents also concerned about how the projected influx of 6,000 people would stretch local services and infrastructure which are already at breaking point. The protest has united both Spanish and foreign residents, with many German and English banners visible. Although the EU will now examine the environmental impact analysis to ensure it complies with European law, the Valencian Generalitat has the final say. “There are enough environmental and economic reasons for the regional parliament to
take up the matter and stop this project,” said one Orihuela councillor. “Another 1,550 homes would saturate Orihuela Costa,” added Residents and Traders Association President, Felix Arenas. “The town council is already failing to maintain public services and rubbish collection as it should do, so this will bring a total collapse.” Among the more active of the protestors has been British ex-councillor, Bob Houliston, who said: “Today we have seen the reality, which is that the residents say no.”
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