Mallorca: PSIB fears Palma 70% tree rule cut

Palma’s rule requiring 70% of existing trees to be kept during work could disappear in built-up urban land, the PSIB says. The socialist party has attacked Mayor Jaime Martínez over the proposed planning, trees and open-space ordinance on 28 August. It has also demanded answers over Can Pesquet in Son Sardina, bought by a doctor’s property company.

Under Palma’s current general plan, work affecting trees must retain 70% of the original stock and replace every tree removed with four new ones. The PSIB says the proposed ordinance drops that requirement for urban land.

The ordinance sets the rules for how the city is built when a street is developed or a square is redesigned. It also covers shade, the trees that can be planted or felled, benches, fountains, play areas and who pays for upkeep.

The party has submitted 36 amendments before the text is expected to go to the full council in September. PSIB Palma secretary-general Iago Negueruela says developers and construction firms were consulted, but neighbourhood associations were not.

The party also objects to a requirement for owners of privately owned passages, arcades and open spaces used by the public to pay for cleaning, paving repairs and lighting. It says the measure would affect Verge de Lluc, Camp Redó, Son Gotleu, Son Cladera and Rafal Nou.

On Can Pesquet, Negueruela wants to know what happened, how the purchase could take place, whether the administrative file had not been completed, and what Martínez will do. He has called on the mayor to take political responsibility, while saying he does not know who was responsible for the error.

Topics: Politics · Palma · Escorca

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com