The Generalitat locates 1,550 hectares safe for over 131,000 homes

The Generalitat has identified 1,550 hectares of non-floodable land with capacity for over 131,000 homes in the Valencia metropolitan area.

A technical study prepared by the Generalitat has located 1,550 hectares of non-floodable land in the Valencia metropolitan area, capable of building more than 131,000 homes. This is reported by AlicanteExtra, which details that the work overlays the mapping of the dana with the flood risk conditions of the land.

The document, titled Technical Study of Safe Lands for Residential and Industrial Uses in the municipalities affected by the 2024 dana, was presented by the head of the Consell, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, alongside the mayor of Valencia, Mª José Catalá. The report, led by Alejandro Escribano, is not an automatic urbanization proposal nor a definitive classification of the land.

“It will help municipalities locate the most suitable land, at a time when access to housing is one of the main social problems facing our country.”

According to the Consell itself, the tool serves to help municipalities find sites and make decisions with more information. Pérez Llorca added that the aim is also to restore confidence to affected residents, so they feel that their new home will be safe or that they can reopen their business.

The analysis covers 1,951 square kilometres and 86 municipalities, and has been carried out with the collaboration of the municipalities themselves. In addition to residential land, the study identifies around 1,600 hectares of industrial and logistical land where companies could establish themselves.

The proposed model advocates for compact growth, close to urban centres, with services and public transport, and away from risk-prone areas. According to the presentation, the idea is to combine safety, proximity to urban cores, and availability of services.

Pérez Llorca also mentioned the review of the PATRICOVA, which he claims strengthens construction guarantees. Among the measures mentioned are raising habitable floors or limiting underground parking.

The head of the Consell stated that planning is not enough without completing the pending water defence works, such as channeling, retention basins, and removing obstacles to water flow. He noted that the Joint Commission assists municipalities and maintains dialogue with the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation, which has participated in the review of the PATRICOVA.