Palma will double its population in 18 years

According to details supplied by the College of Surveyors of Mallorca, in 2000 building projects were registered to build 11,620 homes, which represent 68 less than 1999, but 664 more than in 1998. The building sector has increased by 9% in relation to 1999.

The municipality of Palma has shown the most spectacular growth. 34% of the all the homes registered in Mallorca in 2000 correspond to Palma. In 1999 they represented 30% and in 1998 23%. In all, Palma has registered 3,957 projects for homes, that represents around 16,000 new residential beds, 10% more than the previous year.

The GOB considers that the latest figures supplied by the College of Surveyors demonstrate that, in spite of a slight descent in relation to 1999, Mallorca continues to grow at a completely uncontrolled high level. According to the ecological organisation, Palma and Mallorca cannot support the consequences of this growth, both because of the problem of hydraulic resources, and the energy demand, the production of waste, etc., and above all the loss of quality of life on an ever saturated island.

The GOB considers that with the present rhythm of growth Palma will double its population within 18 years. Therefore, they request the Palma Council to suspend the concession of urban licences and to modify the General Building Plan (PGOU), to reduce the building possibilities, volumes, heights and to declassify urban and urbanisable land.

The PGOU for Palma was approved at the end of 1998. The GOB, together with other entities, presented a legal appeal to the Supreme Courts of the Balearics, in March 1999, still awaiting resolution.

Photo © TF: Bay of Palma with the Bellver Castle behind

Date of publication: 16/01/2001

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