The Balearic Government recently approved a Decree-Law that incorporates some measures that appear to be policy errors. GOB has presented a completely new series of contributions as part of the process of public involvement, in order to improve the texts of the bill that are now being debated in Parliament. Continue reading Proposals for a Law concerning 21st Century Hotels
Tag Archives: Territory
The Main Road and the bridges of discord
The recent announcement by the Consell Insular (the Island Government) to maintain the half built bridge at l’Argentina and to demolish the one at Rafal Rubí, was received by GOB with scepticism and concern. It is essential to have coordinated and urgent action between the departments in order to resolve the problems adequately. Continue reading The Main Road and the bridges of discord
Large hotels, or how to miss the evolution train
The argument relating to the conditions that ought to exist for large hotels when they become out of date covers many similar examples. A project has been presented at Arenal d’en Castell that is inappropriate for the 21st century having no environmental parameters nor does it have any intention, even, to connect to the new water treatment plant. This is as a result of making rules a la carte that are not in the general interest. Continue reading Large hotels, or how to miss the evolution train
The directive for urgent measures issued by the Balearic Government causes frustration
Coastal hotels approaching obsolescence have a new planning amnesty. Deadlines are being extended allowing the continued use of disposable plastic. Controls are being loosened for building works on rural land. The Balearic Government is frustrating its commitment to sustainability by means of a decree/law for urgent measures that is reversing its direction. Continue reading The directive for urgent measures issued by the Balearic Government causes frustration
Allegations made against a rural hotel with more than 100 tourist places
Menorca is living in a boom period for countryside tourist accommodation, with many initiatives for agrotourism and rural hotels. Not all the projects are similar, as some have all the appearances of being short-term speculation for estate agents and others help in moving tourism from the coast inland. Continue reading Allegations made against a rural hotel with more than 100 tourist places
Son Bou: clarification of the law
GOB considers that the two towers that rise up on the front line of the Son Bou beach did not comply with any of the building conditions of the licence that was given. If the building is not legal no renovation work can be made nor can the hotel be enlarged. Continue reading Son Bou: clarification of the law
Management of pathways is called for
Menorca is suffering from a series of impacts on the natural values of its environment caused by people traversing some of these fragile areas. GOB has made formal presentations to the Catalogue of the Pathways of Ciutadella emphasising the need to plan effective management of areas where breeding is recorded and that require a minimum of tranquillity. Continue reading Management of pathways is called for
The Aqua Park and a la carte urbanisation
The second judicial ruling on the aqua park at Biniancolla reaffirms that the park could not be constructed in a protected area, that it was not in the general public interest and was of only limited seasonal appeal. Continue reading The Aqua Park and a la carte urbanisation
Santa Ponça and the indignant promoters
We have recently seen in the Menorcan press repeated messages by investors that have started agro tourism of Santa Ponça and Torre Vella. Some messages implied that this island is an embarrassment because procedures are very long, because tourism is not well received and that some farm improvements demand too much bureaucracy. Continue reading Santa Ponça and the indignant promoters
Letter about water to Mrs Armengol and Mr Mir
One of the major problems that confronts Menorca is the shortage of water resources. This is a difficult matter to resolve because it is the Balearic Government that is responsible for its management and there have been successive cases of inaction, lack of transparency and failures to complete obligations. This is not a new problem, but it is never sorted out and in some cases becomes much worse. The latest example is from the increase in building development wanted at Torre-solí. Continue reading Letter about water to Mrs Armengol and Mr Mir