Torrevieja City Council has dismissed 15 objections from local residents and approved the environmental and strategic report for an 11-storey hotel in La Veleta. The decision moves forward a project initiated by developer Grupo Insara, which seeks to reclassify a residential plot near the coastline for a hotel with a minimum category of three stars.
Located at the junction of Mar del Coral and Mar del Norte streets, close to the waterfront, the proposed 36-metre-tall building has cleared another administrative stage. The developer must still submit a revised Urban Renewal Plan (PRI), undergo sectoral reviews, and participate in a public consultation before final approval is granted. Construction was initially targeted to begin in early 2027 and complete by late 2028.
The municipal architect concluded the project would not have significant environmental effects, allowing the assessment to proceed via a simplified procedure rather than an ordinary one. The developer argued the tower would not create a visual impact due to other high-rise structures nearby, citing the 40-metre Mahersol building to show that the area no longer strictly consists of single-storey villas typical of its original 1960s development.
Local residents, property owners, and interested parties submitted 15 objections opposing the project. Opponents argued the plan increases plot coverage from 20 to 30 per cent, alters the established residential character, and lies within the sphere of influence of the Coastal Law. They highlighted deficiencies in the Climate Impact Study regarding heat island effects and wind impact, while raising concerns about traffic congestion, inadequate parking, public transport capacity, and uncertain water and electricity infrastructure. Objectors stated that private developer profitability should not override public needs and requested a suspension of the proceedings.
The municipal report endorsed by the governing board rejected all objections, stating that the project aligns with the council’s policy to promote hotel development. This strategy includes specific planning modifications to encourage tourism and discounts on construction tax fees (ICIO). The report noted that current building regulations for the site already permit a height of 36 metres, which means that urban development rights do not expand.
Final versions of the plan must incorporate corrective environmental measures specified in the Initial Strategic Document and Climate Impact Study. Further consultations regarding urban transport will be resubmitted prior to the public presentation of the plan.
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