Continued Use of Extended Terraces in Puerto Banús Sparks Controversy
The extension of terraces for bars and restaurants was a common measure adopted by municipalities across the Costa del Sol to support the hospitality industry during the global coronavirus pandemic. Four years on, this commercial activity continues in Puerto Banús, in the spaces initially occupied due to Covid. This has led to the Malaga federation of Ecologistas en Acción lodging a complaint about the “irregular use of vehicle parking spaces in the port area of Puerto José Banús in Marbella and their consolidation for the use of terraces for bars and restaurants”.
Public Ports Agency of Andalucía May Order Removal of Terraces
While there is no definitive resolution yet, the public ports agency of Andalucía (APPA) may order the removal of these terraces. However, the marina’s concessionaire has appealed against the complaint. As a result, these areas will remain in use while the procedure is ongoing. The affected parties have emphasized the positive impact of the terraces on the gastronomic and tourist activity of the port area.
Six Catering Establishments Occupy Fifteen Parking Spaces
In total, six catering establishments occupy approximately fifteen parking spaces of the total area allocated to the hospitality and catering businesses. The business owners defend this service, stating that it “energises the port”. They have submitted a request to the Junta de Andalucía to continue with these terraces and consolidate them.
Business Owners Defend Continuity of Open Spaces
Noelia Thames, owner of Grupo Gaucho, one of the affected businesses, has defended the continuation of these open spaces. She stated that the terraces have been successful in revitalizing the port and providing new services to tourists. She also highlighted the employment these terraces generate, stating that their removal would result in job losses for around 50 families.
Ecologists File Complaint Against Irregular Use of Parking Spaces
The ecologists argue in their complaint that the installation of numerous terraces in areas designated for parking contravenes the law and reduces the rights of berth owners. They also point out that the port area does not comply with regulations requiring 75% of the total number of berths to be car parking spaces and that parking for people with reduced mobility must comply with current accessibility regulations.
Call for Elimination of Parking Spaces and Transformation into Terraces
The complaint further states that the consolidation of terraces in numerous parking spaces in Puerto Banús contravenes the planning of open spaces and the regularisation of terraces in the service area of Puerto Banús. The group is calling for the elimination of parking spaces and their transformation into terraces in Puerto José Banús.
