The mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, has said the town hall will act on technical criteria and comply with judicial decisions following a setback at Spain’s Constitutional Court. The court has refused to admit an appeal by the council that sought to suspend a ruling linked to land in the APR-7 sector of the Serra Gelada natural park.

If enforced, the judgement could require Benidorm Council to pay 283 million euros plus interest to landowners as compensation for urban development rights. Speaking in Alicante, Pérez said the situation would be a serious blow but insisted it would not lead to bankruptcy or state intervention.

He stressed that the council is awaiting advice from its legal and financial services and said politicians must only act within the law. Pérez added that, if payment is required, the council would manage the situation sensibly and without raising taxes or cutting public services.

The mayor also said no negotiations have yet begun with the Murcia Puchades family, pending technical reports. He reiterated that Benidorm will respect any final judicial decision and act accordingly once the legal implications are fully assessed.