Comella Residents Demand Halt to Andorra Housing Project Over Tree Felling Fears

Residents in Andorra la Vella's Comella neighbourhood left a meeting with parish officials dissatisfied, demanding a temporary halt to construction of 28 new terraced homes amid concerns over tree felling and environmental impact.

The gathering on Tuesday, convened by Cònsol Major Sergi González, addressed complaints about the project in the latest phase of Comella Parc. Neighbours, organised through the Associació de Veïns de la Comella, stressed they support urban development but oppose actions harming ecological balance, quality of life or natural protection. They called for immediate access to full environmental impact studies, independent reviews, data on cumulative effects, viable alternatives and assurances on water, sanitation, waste and road capacity to handle added population and traffic.

Officials maintained all work complies with current regulations and noted such developments will be restricted once the Pla d'Ordenació Urbanística (POUP) revision takes effect. They attributed some permits to national government oversight, directing environmental queries there, and admitted surprise at required communal land interventions, including potential further tree removal for home protection—measures still under review. Parish representatives promised a new 14-space car park near Bosc de l'Andy/Tamarro, path maintenance to natural heritage sites, green space enhancements and aesthetic integration of the FEDA substation. Councillors Xavier Surana (Circulation) and Jordi Cabanes (Environment) outlined these mobility and service improvements. However, neighbours described responses as vague, lacking specifics on contractors or parcels, leaving them without requested clarity.

In Encamp, opposition councillor Marta Pujol (PS/Avancem) submitted a written question for Thursday's Consell de Comú, pressing Cònsol Major Laura Mas on housing access commitments from the governing coalition's programme. She highlighted ongoing private developments and asked about agreements to allocate units for affordable rentals, plus planned public-private initiatives ahead of rental contract extensions expiring next year. Pujol seeks oversight to ensure transparency and delivery on promises like price indicators with government and stimulus policies.

Canillo approved 2025 accounts showing a €2.04 million surplus on €23.4 million revenues and €23.36 million spending, with zero debt, €6.45 million treasury and 51.2% real investment execution (€7.76 million of €12 million authorised). Cònsol Major Jordi Alcobé praised financial autonomy, noting construction taxes contributed under 5% (€1.5 million) despite an 11-month licensing suspension. A €700,000 extraordinary credit funds district heating pipes along the main road, tying into a biomass plant at the former Pla campsite for public buildings initially, then private, with a tender planned by mid-2027. The project emphasises sustainability, energy independence and circular economy using local wood. Ongoing cable car negotiations to l'Armiana address private landowners' overflight objections through talks and easements, akin to existing infrastructure.

Andorra la Vella closed 2025 with a €4.05 million surplus (€56.17 million revenues, €52.12 million expenses), 60% investment execution (€9.5 million liquid, rising to €14.5 million committed) and debt reduction to €14.3 million. Cònsol Major Sergi González hailed prudent management amid high private construction activity. Minority critiques focused on delays, low execution and underuse of funds for affordable housing like Terra Vella, versus majority's diversified public-private approach including Reviu and Jaume I recovery.

Encamp ended 2025 with €7.9 million surplus (€45.24 million revenues, up 15%; €37.3 million expenses), €10.74 million investments (45% rise) in public spaces, equipment and tourism, and debt at €12.6 million (36% of limit). Cònsol Major Laura Mas rejected private affordable housing bids as exceeding market rates (€750/month for 40m² vs €609 for 60m²), despite multiple meetings; a central plot remains available. Pujol criticised inaction on tax relief like ITP cuts or rental income incentives.

Construction firms reported 40% revenue growth (2023-2025) from 50% rises in labour and materials, exacerbated by shortages, subcontracting and energy crises; over 1.5 million m² authorised, though 40% unfinished. A LOGTU revision commission, led by Jordi Casadevall and Gemma Riba, aims for completion this legislature by summer, pending parish load studies.