Prosecutor opens investigation into car parking near Alicante airport

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into unauthorised vehicle storage lots around Alicante-Elche airport following a complaint by a local residents’ association. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has formally requested detailed information from Elche Town Council regarding unlicensed car parks operating in the area.

The request follows action taken by the Environment and Urban Planning Unit, which identified potential offences related to land-use planning and environmental pollution. Prosecutors have asked local authorities for a complete register of unapproved vehicle lots near the airport terminal, specifically requesting details on location, cadastral references, land ownership, and official land classifications under the local development plan.

The investigation was prompted by a submission from the Elche Airport Road Residents’ Association, led by Juan José Mateo. The group has campaigned for years against the uncontrolled spread of vehicle storage, rental, and parking sites, particularly within the rural districts of El Altet and Torrellano. Residents raised concerns over physical changes to rural land, unlicenced operations, historical licence reviews, and potential environmental harm.

Following the initial complaint, the national Environment and Urban Planning Unit acknowledged potential criminal offences before transferring the file to the Elche regional prosecutor’s office.

Elche Town Council stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation and welcomed the prosecutor’s involvement. Municipal officials noted that the council had already initiated its own procedures to address neighbor complaints and bring order to the situation, supported by court rulings backing recent council actions.

A 2019 municipal report previously highlighted uncontrolled land occupation and its negative impact on the surrounding area. Between April and May, local authorities identified 110 vehicle storage lots covering 100 hectares across Camp d’Elx. Local Police and municipal engineers subsequently conducted 81 inspections. Mayor Pablo Ruz previously stated that all inspected sites exhibited administrative irregularities, with operators given three months to submit required technical plans and safety documentation.