Torrevieja Council’s governing team has approved the environmental and strategic report for a proposed 11-storey, 36-metre hotel in La Veleta. The decision rejects all 15 objections submitted by residents, interested parties and property owners. The site is at the junction of Mar del Coral and Mar del Norte, a few metres from the coast. Developer Grupo Insara wants to change the land use from residential to hotel, with a minimum three-star classification.

Before final approval, the promoter must submit a revised Interior Reform Plan, obtain sectoral reports and put the plan on public display. The municipal architect has found that the proposal would have no significant environmental effects, although the plan must include environmental measures set out in the initial strategic document and climate impact study.

Objectors had called for a full environmental assessment, citing a proposed increase in plot occupancy from 20% to 30%, changes to the established building pattern, coastal landscape concerns, possible heat-island and wind effects, and uncertainty over water, electricity, parking and transport. They also warned of increased traffic and pressure on public space.

The council says the scheme supports its policy of attracting hotels and diversifying the local economy. It says current planning rules already allow a building of up to 36 metres on the site, and that the project will not increase the permitted development capacity. The environmental approval will remain valid for four years, with a possible two-year extension.