The Elche City Council has given final approval to modification number 46 of the General Plan, which integrates an increase in heights for urban sectors on the periphery, especially those not affected by the palm grove environment. This measure, initially proposed by the developers of sectors E-21 (Altabix) and E-37 (El Pla), has been approved by the PP and Vox coalition government. The PSOE and Compromís abstained, calling for more dialogue and urban planning.
In sector E-37, buildings will increase from 4 to 6 floors, maintaining a two-floor difference with surrounding 8-floor buildings. Sector E-21 will be able to increase its maximum height from 7 to 12 floors. Generally, peripheral sectors not affected by the palm grove can grow up to 12 floors, while those affected by the heritage site environment can reach 9 floors, as in sector E-6 opposite Los Palmerales.
Sectors not affected by the palm grove and adjacent to other sectors or distribution areas of key 31 and 32 can draft a Partial Plan to increase the maximum number of floors to XII, provided they justify the convenience through a landscape integration study. Other sectors may grow from 4 to 5, 6, or 9 floors, depending on their situation and the difference with adjacent sectors.
Deputy Mayor Francisco Soler highlighted that this modification "improves urban quality" without increasing total buildability, aiming for an "more efficient, sustainable, and adapted to current needs" planning.
The opposition, represented by PSOE and Compromís, criticized the local government's lack of planning and initiative, considering these changes to be driven by the real estate sector's needs. Socialist spokesperson Héctor Díez called for more social housing and recalled pending issues such as protecting commercial axes or creating more parking spaces.
Soler countered these arguments, stating that sector E-21 is urbanized and awaiting only the electricity company, and that the previous government's management was "nothing".
Compromís councilwoman Esther Díez lamented the lack of urban debate spaces and criticized the mayor for "making many videos but little planning," while the PSOE pointed out the lack of dialogue with the opposition since November 2024.
