The Spanish Government has lodged an appeal before the Constitutional Court against parts of the Valencian Coastal Law, a move that will delay the demolition of around 80 homes on Babilonia beach in Guardamar del Segura.

The houses, built in the early 20th century on the seafront, had been given a demolition deadline of 15 September 2025 after the State refused to extend their public domain concessions. However, the constitutional challenge means the properties are expected to remain standing for at least another year, as the court typically takes a minimum of 12 months to rule.

The appeal focuses on provisions in the regional law that create the category of “urban areas of special ethnological value”, which could include buildings located on maritime-terrestrial public domain, an area of exclusive State competence under the Constitution. The Council of State has backed the challenge, although it noted some legal doubts over the procedure chosen.

Previous court rulings in 2023 upheld the legality of the demolition orders, citing environmental impact on a protected dune system and safety risks during storms. Residents argue that coastal regression is due to port infrastructure at the mouth of the River Segura and hope either a legal change or future political developments could ultimately save their homes.