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Mallorca's Son Bonet solar park moves on despite MPs' vote

Responsible for this content: Frank Menze

Aena’s planned solar park in Son Bonet, Marratxí, has entered public consultation despite a unanimous parliamentary call for the scheme to be abandoned. On Thursday, 10 September, the Balearic Government’s Ministry of Business, the Self-Employed and Energy opened the process. The notice was published in the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands.

Archivo - Vecinos de Son Bonet durante la plantación de árboles en la zona en la que AENA tiene intención de instalar un parque fotovoltaico.
Europa Press

The consultation covers Aena’s application for administrative authorisation, recognition of public utility for a declaration of general interest, and the standard environmental assessment.

Son Bonet Pulmó Verd said the move lets the project keep progressing through the administration despite opposition voiced by neighbours and institutions over recent years. In June, every political group in the Balearic Parliament backed a motion urging the Government to tell Aena it should withdraw the planned installation.

The group called it “incomprehensible” that the process is continuing after that vote. It says the Son Bonet land has for decades been a place for Marratxí residents to meet, walk and spend their leisure time.

Spokesman Manel Gomáriz said clean energy should not come at the cost of spaces that local people have used and cared for over many years. He argued that Aena has many thousands of square metres of its own built-up land where panels could be installed.

Topics: Politics · Marratxí

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com