Ordino Council Approves Revised Urban Plan Amid Landowner Court Appeals

Ordino parish council has approved the latest revision of its Parish Urban Planning Scheme (POUP) during Thursday's public session, amid ongoing legal challenges from affected landowners.

Cònsol Major Maria del Mar Coma described the process as entering its final stage, with around ten appeals now under review at the Batllia court. She noted that the administrative path had already covered initial objections and appeals to the Technical Urbanism Commission (CTU), where about 40 claims from roughly 30 property owners were filed. Some of those have progressed to judicial review, including one case where a single owner submitted two separate appeals—one as an individual and another via a company. Coma indicated the deadline for further appeals remains open for about a week in certain instances, potentially adding to the current tally.

Despite acknowledging landowners' frustration, Coma defended the revision's compliance with all legal requirements. She expressed optimism about the outcomes, stating the council prioritised the general interest over individual demands. "We cannot tailor plans to fit specific cases; the urban scheme must apply equally to all owners," she said, emphasising its role in organising parish development while protecting certain environments. The cònsol highlighted that nearly 80% of initial allegations were incorporated, attributing remaining discontent to expectations for full acceptance of all requests. She stressed the distinction between economic aspirations for land and what regulations realistically permit, aiming to safeguard welfare for residents, tenants, and visitors alike.

Opposition councillor Jordina Bringué supported the approval to help curb excessive construction, while validating owners' rights to appeal. "They are right to challenge what they disagree with; justice will ultimately decide," she said. Bringué recognised the plan's effect on land values, noting some plots can no longer be built on, fuelling anxiety among owners seeking single-family homes rather than speculation. She called for case-by-case assessments, citing halted projects that could have diversified tourism, but conceded the council's position against selective approvals leaves no one fully satisfied.

Councillor Enric Dolsa joined the session remotely from abroad. Coma remains confident, though outcomes depend on the Batllia’s rulings.