Andorran Government backs buildings of up to 12 storeys to create open space at Prat d’Emprivat

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal has defended plans for buildings of up to 12 storeys in the Prat d’Emprivat partial development plan. He said concentrating construction in taller buildings would free up open space at ground level and avoid blocks that are too large.

Casal made the comments after a Cabinet meeting and defended the parish councils’ autonomy to decide on planning policy in their respective parishes.

He also said there “aren’t many alternatives” if the aim is to preserve open space at the base of buildings while also safeguarding landowners’ rights.

Plan includes a green boulevard of nearly 6,000 square metres

The Prat d’Emprivat project includes a boulevard of almost 6,000 square metres, with 5,431 square metres for a promenade and 511 for green spaces.

The plan also provides for wider pavements on Consell d’Europa and Valira streets, as well as an underground public car park with between 100 and 120 spaces per floor.

The share of land set aside for public spaces will rise from the initially planned 15% to 28.9%. Andorra la Vella’s parish council will put the partial development plan on public display for 20 days.

Casal criticises a shift in political position

The minister said he was “surprised” that some parties which previously questioned high-rise construction now support a similar approach.

As examples, he cited buildings in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany with features comparable to those planned for Prat d’Emprivat.