Escaldes-Engordany POUP Revision Set to Finish This Autumn Despite Delays

The revision of Escaldes-Engordany's urban development plan (POUP) is expected to wrap up this autumn, local officials have confirmed, despite taking longer than initially planned.

Cònsol Major Rosa Gili defended the extended timeline in recent comments, stressing the parish's commitment to a thorough review aimed at preventing irreversible mistakes. She highlighted the unprecedented depth of the current process compared to past efforts in Escaldes-Engordany.

"The urban plan is lasting longer than we would have liked, but we are handling it with great thoroughness," Gili stated. "We want to get it right, ensuring parks for residents and protection for heritage."

Key elements under review include compiling records for all historic buildings to determine protection standards, alongside definitions for green spaces and parking. Gili acknowledged impatience among some residents over the pace but argued that careful work outweighs haste.

"I understand people who want us to move faster, but it's less serious for things to drag on than to do them any old way and end up with irreversible constructions," she said.

Gili cited recent tower projects in the parish—structures meant to stand for "a century, two, or who knows how long"—as examples of why rigorous planning matters. On whether the revised POUP could alter these towers, she described it as "a major debate," constrained by the need to respect private property rights and existing building capacities.

The cònsol major noted ongoing discussions with the Andorran government, suggesting that more ambitious changes might demand additional powers or resources. She pointed to the proposed national museum in the central parishes, where the central administration would need to provide the necessary tools if it expects local authorities to carry it out.