Andorra Consul Calls for Tripartite Commission to Halt Clot d’Emprivat High-Rises

Rosa Gili, senior consul of Escaldes-Engordany, has called for a tripartite commission with the parish council, government, and General Council to stop further high-rise construction in the Clot d’Emprivat area and rethink the urban planning approach there.

The proposal seeks unified action against tower projects that Gili says face strong opposition from residents and much of the political spectrum, including recent comments from Head of Government Xavier Espot and spokesperson Guillem Casal. She stressed that coordinated efforts would have greater impact, especially on handling potential indemnities for owners if works halt—costs the parish cannot shoulder alone. At least two blocks have owners intent on proceeding, with government approval already granted for one section. Gili emphasised the urgency of "dosing" new builds to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.

No formal notice has gone out yet, but one is expected soon to align positions and consider options such as cost-sharing for payouts or new laws. Gili has faulted the government for inadequate response to what she termed an "immobilary madness," pointing out that a law mandating load capacity studies failed to halt progress despite prolonged discussions. "It only required studies, but things kept advancing meanwhile," she told the Andorran News Agency.

The issue reignited about 15 days ago when construction began on three 20-storey buildings along Avinguda de les Nacions Unides, closing a public car park and playground. Two more projects are advancing: one between Avinguda de les Nacions Unides and Avinguda del Consell de la Terra, and another at Casa Fusilé between Avinguda Carlemany and Avinguda del Consell de la Terra. Both were submitted before the parish's latest licence suspension in January 2024.

Since taking office in January 2020, Gili's administration has used all available legal tools, including 2023 updates to the parish urban planning scheme (POUP) that lifted street-level public space requirements from 15% to 50-65%. A 2018 plan revision locked in core rules for six years, limiting alterations even with owner consent. Earlier halts would have triggered extended court battles and massive compensation claims beyond parish means.

Gili rejected recent questions from opposition Democrats on preventing a second construction phase, urging their backing via institutions they control. She noted current binds arise from past approvals, some requiring government sign-off that was seemingly granted. Owner disputes at the Batllia highlight parish limits, while she regretted the lack of a post-2020 moratorium despite campaign promises on urban load studies.

Gili dismissed Casal's claim that towers cause no added environmental harm, saying public sentiment shows clear rejection over blocked views and sunlight. She challenged assertions that projects lapse over time, given recent government approvals, and accused the executive of shifting blame despite its role in 2018 changes enabling the towers. "If DA regrets what it did, perfect. We'll take up the gauntlet," she said, pushing for firm steps over finger-pointing.