Marbella Council Approves Step Towards Normalising Town Planning Rules

Councillors in Marbella have voted unanimously to approve a new planning blueprint for the town.

The initial approval of the so-called PGOM document is an important step forward in strategic planning in Marbella and sets out priorities for development in different areas. Public consultation can begin and it is hoped that final approval can be voted on before the end of the year.

Marbella town planning has been relying on the outdated plan known as the PGOU, which was based upon how Marbella looked in 1986 and so new schemes have been delayed by decades.The new blueprint is designed to make planning more flexible and there are to be two shorter planning documents. The PGOM will focus just on the strategy, with a more easily-adjustable implementation plan, known as the POU, will need to follow afterwards.

The plan includes the modern concept of a 15-minute city, where basic public services are no more than a quarter of an hour away on foot. It also offers clear protection of the coastline and increased connections with the main A7 and AP-7 roads, as well as semi-pedestrianisation of the main Ricardo Soriano Avenue in Marbella town centre.