SOLAR FARM WILL SUPPRESS THE GROWTH OF TORREMENDO

The Orihuela Council has criticised the installation of a solar plant in the Orihuela district of Torremendo in a report prepared by its Department of Rural Development,which has now been sent to the Ministry of Innovation, Industry,Commerce and Tourism.

The project anticipates the occupation of 182,000 square metres,with power to install 9,990 kW, very close to the village centre and the protected landscape of Sierra Escalona,??which also includes the Pedrera reservoir,in addition to affecting the Special Area Bird Protection.(ZEPA).

Councillor Valverde explained that this plant is adjacent to several buildings located on the Hurchillo road,including the cemetery,"in addition,it will seriously affect the possibilities of expanding essential elements of the district".He added that Torremendo's future expansion is already very limited by the reservoir of La Pedrera.

The project,according to the report,does not consider the serious damage to the landscape that the installation will cause to the Oriolan district.

The Councillor indicated that they will also forward,once again,criticisms of the project by Friends of Sierra Escalona (ASE),Friends of the Wetlands of the South of Alicante,and the Association of Neighbours of San Miguel. The President of ASE,Miguel Ángel Pavón said that the regulations of the Natural Resources Management Plan (PORN) of the future Sierra Escalona natural park prohibits solar plants in the entire area of the PORN.