Urban development project in La Serra de la Renegà

Subject: Urban development project in La Serra de la Renegà

La Serra de la Renegà is the only natural area comprising coastal mountains and rocky platforms between the Serra d'Irta Natural Park and Marina Alta, located in Alicante. Its coastline is once again under threat from a new urban development project spearheaded by an entrepreneur being investigated for corruption. This urban development project may also be in breach of Directive 92/43/EEC, as it is in an area of Castellón with great environmental value. A large part of the coast has been a Site of Community Importance (SCI) since 2007, a special area of conservation under the Natura 2000 Network and a Special Protection Area for birds. Since November 2016, part of the coastline has been protected by the Valencian government’s regional action plan for green infrastructure.

1. Is the Commission going to allow this project to go ahead despite the designation of the area as an SCI and the possible breach of Directive 92/43/EEC?

2. What specific steps is the Commission going to take to prevent these infringements and protect community spaces in the area?

Answer given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission (21 July 2020)

There are several Natura 2000 sites designated under the Habitats (1) and Birds (2) Directives between Serra d'Irta Natural Park and Marina Alta.

As required under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, Member States’ authorities must ensure that any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site be subject to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site(s) concerned. Such plan or project can only be approved after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the sites concerned.

In addition, the Habitats Directive requires Member States to take appropriate steps to avoid the deterioration of the natural habitats and the habitats of species as well as disturbance of the species for which the areas have been designated, in so far as such disturbance could be significant in relation to the objectives of the directive.

EU Member States’ authorities are responsible for the implementation of these provisions. Therefore, whenever individuals face specific instances of incorrect application of EC law, it is first in the national courts that the interested parties should seek redress.

The Commission does not possess detailed information about the specific project referred to by the Honourable Members, the administrative procedures for its approval nor whether it could significantly affect any Natura 2000 sites. Therefore, the Commission cannot, at this stage, identify any infringement of Union legislation in relation to the project.

⋅1∙ Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992).

⋅2∙ Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds. (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7‐25).