The High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community has rejected an appeal by residents of a housing development in Orihuela against the reopening of the coastal promenade between La Caleta and Cabo Roig. The ruling confirms an earlier judgment from a court in Elche and supports the decision taken by Orihuela City Council to restore public access to the route, which reopened in August 2025.

The case focused on a municipal project creating a pedestrian link of around thirty metres to connect two existing promenades. The works were valued at just under fifty-eight thousand euros and include partial demolition of fencing, improved access for people with reduced mobility, safety barriers along the cliff edge, and changes to lighting installations. These additional works have yet to be tendered and awarded.

Residents and landowners affected by the expropriation argued that the council lacked authority, claiming the land was subject to coastal protection rules and that no formal declaration of public benefit had been made. They also described the action as an unlawful administrative shortcut.

The court rejected all these claims, ruling that the council had the necessary powers and approvals from regional and national coastal authorities. It said the declaration of public benefit was implicit in the approved project and noted that the walkway had existed and been used by the public for many years. The decision allows the project to proceed, with the council saying it will improve access and recover public coastal space.