A new chapter in the defence of the environment
The federation SOS Costa Brava, along with the environmental organisations Salvem el Golfet and SOS Palafrugell, has decided to take a firm step in its fight for the conservation of the natural environment of Llafranc. This group has filed an administrative contentious appeal against the Palafrugell Town Hall, following the approval of the Urban Improvement Plan (PMU) that allows the construction of eight houses in a mountainous area with steep slopes.
The PMU, which was admitted for processing by the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) on 16 February, includes a development that would occupy a buildable area of 2,400 square metres. The proposed houses would be grouped together, with a maximum height of up to nine metres and distributed over a ground floor plus two floors.
The environmental organisations have expressed their concern about the environmental implications that this project could entail. The chosen location for the new houses is in a wooded area mainly composed of cork oaks, near the GR-92 trail and the emblematic local lighthouse. According to the complainants, this area has slopes exceeding 28%, which increases the risk both for construction and for the surrounding environment.
One of the most critical points highlighted by SOS Costa Brava is the lack of a comprehensive environmental assessment before approving the PMU. Despite being located near the Espai d’Interès Natural Muntanyes de Begur, the environmentalists argue that there was insufficient analysis of the landscape impact or how it would affect local fauna and flora.
Aside from the environmental impact, the organisations have also warned about other risks associated with the project. Among them is the potential danger of wildfires due to the dense forest and local climatic conditions. Furthermore, they emphasise that the land even lacks basic urban services; there is currently no paved road access or adequate infrastructure to support residential development.
As this legal process progresses, it is expected that more citizens will join this cause in defence of the local natural heritage. The situation highlights the tension between urban development and environmental conservation in a region as cherished as Llafranc.
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