The Nerja Council has given initial approval to the new General Plan (PGOU), the highlights of which include the construction of 8,000 houses, turning El Playazo into a dynamic tourist hub, expansion in Maro and, of course, a golf course in La Coladilla.
At El Playazo, expansion is part of the plan, with the construction of houses, a hotel and a riverside park to turn the area into what is described as a dynamic tourist hub.
Two parks are foreseen in the plan, one on the Rio Chillar and one on the Rio Seco as well as a ‘business opportunity zone’ just south of Castillo Alto.
There is also provision for the development of Los Huertos de Carabeo, currently a free car parking area and home to the annual feria.
Expansion is also planned for the village of Maro, with a large area of housing for young people being proposed in the La Lomilla area near the caves.
The golf course at La Coladilla remains on the agenda, naturally.
The initial approval of the General Plan was without the support of the IU and PSOE. It had been expected that the IU would oppose the motion, but not the PSOE.
The majority of any Council’s revenue is from initial building, construction and other license fees, so the more construction projects the better, regardless of whether they are essential or not.
Once the construction or renovations are complete, further income is derived from the various fees and licenses paid by businesses. A typical bar, for example, will be paying an opening license fee and then, periodically, various fees for a terrace, awning, terrace furniture, signboard, plants on the terrace etc etc.