Andorra Council Defends Issuing Licences for Massive Commercial Centres Amid Criticism

Andorra la Vella parish council has defended its issuance of construction licences for three large commercial centres, insisting it had no legal authority to reject applications initiated under the previous administration.

The council, led by Sergi Gonzàlez (PS) and Olalla Losada (Concòrdia), issued a statement on Friday responding to criticism from Interior Minister Ester Molné during Thursday's General Council session. Molné had questioned the council's role in approving the projects at Margineda, Fener, and Avinguda Tarragona, which total over 100,000 square metres and may require more than 1,000 workers.

All licences were requested during the prior term, the council said, leaving the current leadership without discretion to deny them once they met urban planning standards. For Margineda—now under construction—the process began on 22 August 2023. Government sectoral reports on mobility, environmental impact, geological risks, accessibility, industrial safety and quality, and cultural heritage—all favourable—arrived from November 2023 to February 2024. Urban and technical compliance checks led to approval on 14 May 2024.

Fener's building permit was granted in April 2021, also under the previous council. The Avinguda Tarragona project involved refurbishing an existing commercial building with no change in land use, licensed in April 2022.

The council emphasised that urban planning modifications apply only prospectively and cannot affect ongoing administrative processes. It also noted a 25 June 2024 resolution suspending certain new construction permits to organise parish development, advance the Parish Urban Planning Plan (POUP) review, and align growth with local needs.

The dispute arose after Concòrdia leader Cerni Escalé challenged whether the projects secured required government pre-approvals under trade law for retail spaces over 2,500 square metres. Molné confirmed only Margineda received such a permit this term and could not specify the others. Prime Minister Xavier Espot affirmed Margineda's compliance and promised reviews if needed. Escalé plans formal requests for administrative records.

Broader debate touched on demographic growth, with Andorra adding 8,000 residents in three years. Escalé urged population controls and immigration quotas; Espot prioritised economic flexibility targeting 2% annual growth. Molné suggested parishes could restrict large retail via urban plans, but Escalé argued against retroactive changes.