Elche Council has launched proceedings to amend its General Urban Development Plan in order to regulate vehicle parking sites near Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. The move aims to bring order to a growing activity in the area which, according to the municipal government, shows a high level of non-compliance with planning regulations.

Mayor Pablo Ruz informed the full council that more than 100 parking sites are currently operating around the airport, many of them in a legal grey area and without specific regulation. He said the objective is to “regulate an existing reality and bring order with legal certainty”, while preventing new irregular developments.

In recent months, the Local Police have carried out 26 inspections of these sites. Only two were found to have valid licences in place. Ruz stated that just 5% comply with current legislation and confirmed that inspections and enforcement action will continue.

The council says it wants to balance airport-related economic activity with respect for the surrounding environment and urban planning law. It is considering a framework similar to recent planning changes affecting photovoltaic installations in rural areas, with the aim of setting clear limits and avoiding further uncontrolled expansion in a strategic part of the municipality.