OBJECTING TO OVER DEVELOPMENT
The Plan Parcial covering development in the Sierra was drawn up in 1970. It has never been revised, although there have been “re-interpretations” of parts of the Plan. There are also Ordinances which set out how development is to be carried out. The Asociación is concerned that the original plan has never been updated, in line with more recent views on protection of the Sierra Bernia. Although there have been recent statements about restricting development above the 300 metre line in the Sierra, construction is still taking place, under the old Plan.
The Asociación is also concerned that the interpretation of the Ordinances, by the Ayuntamiento, allows a higher level of development than was originally permitted.
In 2007, the Asociación sought a legal opinion on the interpretation used by the Ayuntamiento. The conclusion of this study was that the Ordinances are so badly drafted, that they are open to abuse, and that the most effective action would be to seek a complete revision of the Plan Parcial.
The Asociación has requested this, and the rescinding of certain clauses, which are being abused. A revision of the PGOU started in 2007, but has not yet been completed.
Using the legal opinion obtained by the Asociación, we achieve a change to the Ordinances, which now restrict sub-devision of Parcelas and over- development of the Sierra.
Whenever the Asociación becomes aware of development which is not in accordance with the Plan Parcial, it makes a formal objection.
PROTECTING THE GREEN ZONES.
Although the Plan Parcial shows protected Green Zones, (Zonas Verdes), and it is the responsibility of the Ayuntamiento to protect these areas, they are not doing so. Many of the Green Zones are used for illegal dumping of construction materials. This has been brought to the attention of the Ayuntamiento, but without response. Construction has also taken place within Green Zones, which is completely illegal. Despite "denuncias", and letters of objection, the Ayuntamiento has failed to take any action against the perpetrators. The Asociación continues to press this point with the local politicians.
IMPROVING SECURITY.
Over the past few years, the levels of crime in the Sierra have risen, in line with National trends. In 2007, the Asociación, in collaboration with our neighbouring Associations, started to explore the introduction of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. This initiative was supported by the Ayuntamiento and the Policia Local. A scheme covering Sierra Altea 1 & 2, and Sierra Altea Golf, started in November 2008. This was followed by Urbanization Paradiso, whose scheme went live in January 2009. Urlisa1 & 2,and Las Mimosasand, have now been incorporated into the scheme.
A scheme for the introduction of security cameras at entrances to the Sierra, is planned, by the Ayuntamiento, but as yet there is no date for this work to be carried out.
A Neighbourhood Watch web site, serves the whole area. You can access this on www.vecinoscooperandoaltea.es.
At this web site you can find out more about Neighbourhood Watch, and you can also register to recieve security ALERTS, directly in your e-mail.
REPAIR AND MAINTAINING THE ROADS
The roads in Altea Golf and Sierra Altea 1 are the responsibility of the Ayuntamiento. The Asociación has made many complaints to the Ayuntamiento that the roads are not being regularly cleaned, they are not being repaired, and the street lighting is not being maintained.
Every constructor working in this area, pays a bond to the Ayuntamiento, which is intended to cover repair of damage caused by construction traffic. The Asociación has presented evidence that the necessary repairs are not being carried out, and that the roads are deteriorating.
The Asociación has, itself,paid for minor repairs in the worst affected areas, but it is the responsibility of the Ayuntamiento to carry out this work.
OBJECTING TO TRAFFIC / CONSTRUCTION NOISE.
Much of the construction traffic in the Sierra uses the residencial Avenida Principal. In 2005, the level of traffic was so high that the Asociación undertook a survey. This showed that at certain times of the day, 70% of traffic was construction related, and that a heavy lorry passed the survey point, every 2 minutes. The survey concluded that the Ayuntamiento should undertake regular monitoring of construction traffic; ensure compliance with weight and speed restrictions; undertake a risk assessment of the dangers to pedestrians using the Av. Principal; publish records of the amount of money collected from developers in the form of bonds, and how much of this money is spent on rectifying damage to the local infrastructure.
The Ayuntamiento failed to respond.
The slowdown in construction activity over the past two years, has reduced this problem overall, but there are still areas where it remains an issue.
REMOVE THE ILLEGAL SIGNS.
Over the years, many developers signs have been erected at the main road junctions in the Sierra. These are not authorised, and in some cases present a danger to traffic and pedestrians. There are also large advertising hoardings, erected without authorization, within the residential areas. The Asociación has identified and photographed all the signs, and has requested the Ayuntamiento to remove them. In 2007, the Ayuntamiento introduced Ordinances to control such advertising, but despite regular reminders and requests, they have so far failed to take any action. The Asociación will continue to press for their removal.
TRYING TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY .
The Asociación has had some success in this area, with the introduction of “stop” signs, onto the Avenida Principal, and the placing of Traffic mirrors at dangerous junctions. It has also persuaded the Ayuntamiento to put no-parking lines on the slip-road, at the entrance to the urbanization. However, some parts of the Avenida are still considered dangerous, and the Asociación is trying to persuade the Ayuntamiento to resolve these problems.
HELPING FORM AN ENTIDAD LOCAL MENOR .
In 2006, the Asociación worked closely with the Neighbourhood Association of Altea la Vella, on forming an Entidad Local Menor, (E.L.M). This is a tier of Local Government, below the Ayuntamiento, but with some autonomy. Under such an arrangement, some of the functions of the Ayuntamiento, would be transferred to the E.L.M., who would also receive funding directly to carry out these functions. The Entidad would also have its own Mayor, directly elected by, and responsible to the local community. In all cases where an E.L.M. has been set up, the result has been additional funding to the local community, and greater local control over how it is spent .
The proposal was rejected by the previous Partido Popular administration in the Ayuntamiento, but after the 2007 elections, the incoming P.S.O.E. party, agreed to support this initiative. However, since then, no progress has been made.
The initiative was re-started in 2010, by the Altea la Vella Asociación. Our Asociación has asked to be kept informed of progress.
ENCOURAGING FOREIGNERS TO REGISTER ON THE VOTING LIST .
The Ayuntamiento receive funding for the area, based on the number of people registered on the Voting Register. Therefore the Asociación have been encouraging people who have properties in this area to register. This does not affect your tax position or residential status. It also allows you to vote in the local elections.
DEVELOPING THE ASOCIACIÓN WEB SITE.
The Asociación's web site was set up in 2005. It is periodically updated, and the Directors have added extra links to make it more useful. It is fair to say that it is not a particularly active site, but it is a useful source of information for people living in the area.
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GIVE YOUR VIEWS.
If you would like to express your views on any local issues, or the work of the Asociación, you can do this by sending an e-mailing to : avecinos@gmail.com
We do not guarantee to publish all views, or all views in full, but we will try to offer a representative selection of the views expressed. These will be shown in Give your views.
The Asociación will use your views to assist its negotiations with the Ayuntamiento and other bodies. Therefore, if you do not wish your views to be made public in this way, you must indicate this at the end of your e-mail. You should also indicate whether or not you wish your name to be withheld.
