Orihuela Council has issued a favourable environmental report on a planning change requested by Costa Mar Torrevieja Internacional in Orihuela Costa. The proposal concerns two undeveloped private plots in the Sector I-1 Citrus Partial Plan, near the planned Las Vistas development at Cala Mosca. Together, they cover 2,188 square metres and are currently classified for social, healthcare and administrative uses.

The change would allow a range of tertiary and residential uses, including hotels, shops, offices, sports and leisure facilities, specialist services and housing. The promoter says the plots should reflect Orihuela Costa’s predominantly tourism-residential character, with around 30,000 homes, approximately 70% of them used as second homes.

The council’s municipal architect and environmental officer have rejected residents’ objections. Residents argued that the proposal would permanently remove land reserved for essential public services and put a private company’s interests before the public interest.

The council says the plots are privately owned and do not form part of the network of compulsory public services. It argues that allowing compatible private uses would not reduce the minimum public facilities required in the sector. The environmental report allows the planning process to continue, but it does not represent final approval of the proposed change.