Costa Blanca News 25 1 2008: Benissa & Alcalali
Residents’ protests ignored
Controversial Benissa development approved
By Nikki Luxford
Shortly after a large demonstration held by residents in opposition to the Pedramala II was held outside Benissa town hall, the council proved the protest had fallen on deaf ears.
At a full council meeting held on Tuesday, and in the absence of a PSOE councillor who was barred from the process as he is the developers’ lawyer, mayor Juan Bautista Roselló used his casting vote to approve the project after the overall vote was tied (Cibe-Bloc and PSOE against, PP in favour).
The absence of Socialist councillor Vicent Cabrera allowed Mayor Roselló to push through a scheme which he fully backs.
The council’s decision came just hours after residents held a concentration outside and in the town hall. Some were dressed as pallbearers and held a casket with the words ‘Funeral of Justice’.
Hoping to get their points across, the meeting began with the unhappy mayor warning: “Publicity is good but this is not the time or place to be dressed up or holding a demonstration.”
Once the meeting reached the point of discussing Pedramala II, all political parties and the mayor gave their opinions.
Opposition parties commented that the area was already saturated and that more building would not be sustainable.
However those in favour of the development welcomed it saying that with the economy low, money is welcomed into the village.
The outcome is being seen as a slap in the face for local residents.
ALCALALÍ RESIDENTS SPLIT
Following recent plans proposed by Alcalalí mayor and developers Rosalba SA to build a 400-apartment retirement home, an 80-bed hospital along with restaurants, shops and other facilities, residents have jumped to the defence by forming the Veïns d’Alcalalí association.
However, due to the current animosity between some Spanish and expat residents, the association finds itself divided.
It was decided that a meeting would be held at the local theatre on Monday in the hope of gathering opinions and ideas on how to tackle the current problems.
The meeting was held in both English and Spanish and gave attendees the opportunity to contribute after several speeches
Ron Broadhurst opened the meeting by explaining to the audience that as residents in Alcalalí, they have the right to vote and elect council members, but if people don’t stand up to them, then the council will do as it pleases.
Following was Gill Broadhurst who spoke about why the Veïns d’Alcalalí was set up. In reference to the mayor’s recent statement saying the project would not take place she said: “The mayor told us the development proposed by Rosabla will not take place in its proposed form, in the proposed area, but that he will maintain contact with the company and consider any future proposals”.
To finish the evening, three guest speakers were invited, Jenny Bussey from Veïns de Parcent and Charles Svoboda and Enrique Climent from Abusos Urbanísticos No (AUN).
Jenny Bussey was able to offer her own experiences as Veïns de Parcent successfully battled against the same development and emphasised the need for the Alcalalí group to work together and fight for their rights.
“Parcent is winning its battle against developers, soon we will win the war – you need to do the same,” concluded Mrs Bussey
Enrique Climent and Charles Svoboda closed the meeting explaining their own experiences from setting up a similar organisation with the main message being ‘unite as one’.
“Foreign property owners have the same rights as Spaniards and now is the time to use those rights by working together and defending the village; this can be achieved,” said the AUN representatives.
The audience was allowed to give their opinions and ask questions. Towards the end, as everyone was speaking at once, a gentleman ended the evening on an appropriate note by saying: “Divided we fall.”
n.luxford@cbnews.es
Photos N Luxford
Controversial Benissa development approved
By Nikki Luxford
Shortly after a large demonstration held by residents in opposition to the Pedramala II was held outside Benissa town hall, the council proved the protest had fallen on deaf ears.
At a full council meeting held on Tuesday, and in the absence of a PSOE councillor who was barred from the process as he is the developers’ lawyer, mayor Juan Bautista Roselló used his casting vote to approve the project after the overall vote was tied (Cibe-Bloc and PSOE against, PP in favour).
The absence of Socialist councillor Vicent Cabrera allowed Mayor Roselló to push through a scheme which he fully backs.
The council’s decision came just hours after residents held a concentration outside and in the town hall. Some were dressed as pallbearers and held a casket with the words ‘Funeral of Justice’.
Hoping to get their points across, the meeting began with the unhappy mayor warning: “Publicity is good but this is not the time or place to be dressed up or holding a demonstration.”
Once the meeting reached the point of discussing Pedramala II, all political parties and the mayor gave their opinions.
Opposition parties commented that the area was already saturated and that more building would not be sustainable.
However those in favour of the development welcomed it saying that with the economy low, money is welcomed into the village.
The outcome is being seen as a slap in the face for local residents.
ALCALALÍ RESIDENTS SPLIT
Following recent plans proposed by Alcalalí mayor and developers Rosalba SA to build a 400-apartment retirement home, an 80-bed hospital along with restaurants, shops and other facilities, residents have jumped to the defence by forming the Veïns d’Alcalalí association.
However, due to the current animosity between some Spanish and expat residents, the association finds itself divided.
It was decided that a meeting would be held at the local theatre on Monday in the hope of gathering opinions and ideas on how to tackle the current problems.
The meeting was held in both English and Spanish and gave attendees the opportunity to contribute after several speeches
Ron Broadhurst opened the meeting by explaining to the audience that as residents in Alcalalí, they have the right to vote and elect council members, but if people don’t stand up to them, then the council will do as it pleases.
Following was Gill Broadhurst who spoke about why the Veïns d’Alcalalí was set up. In reference to the mayor’s recent statement saying the project would not take place she said: “The mayor told us the development proposed by Rosabla will not take place in its proposed form, in the proposed area, but that he will maintain contact with the company and consider any future proposals”.
To finish the evening, three guest speakers were invited, Jenny Bussey from Veïns de Parcent and Charles Svoboda and Enrique Climent from Abusos Urbanísticos No (AUN).
Jenny Bussey was able to offer her own experiences as Veïns de Parcent successfully battled against the same development and emphasised the need for the Alcalalí group to work together and fight for their rights.
“Parcent is winning its battle against developers, soon we will win the war – you need to do the same,” concluded Mrs Bussey
Enrique Climent and Charles Svoboda closed the meeting explaining their own experiences from setting up a similar organisation with the main message being ‘unite as one’.
“Foreign property owners have the same rights as Spaniards and now is the time to use those rights by working together and defending the village; this can be achieved,” said the AUN representatives.
The audience was allowed to give their opinions and ask questions. Towards the end, as everyone was speaking at once, a gentleman ended the evening on an appropriate note by saying: “Divided we fall.”
n.luxford@cbnews.es
Photos N Luxford
posted by Charles Svoboda at
12:37 PM
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