Sineu puts subsidiary regulations into action to stop intensive livestock farming.

SinedThis past Saturday, the BOIB (Balearic and Urban Development Board) published the approval of the modification of the subsidiary regulations in the Sineu Town Hall to include more specific regulations for intensive livestock farming within the municipality. There is now a 30-day period to submit objections.

The specific modification of the town planning regulations should serve to regulate intensive livestock farming activities on rural land. This step has been taken to comply with the suspension of licenses agreed in October 2024, protected by Article 51 of the Town Planning Law of the Balearic Islands (LUIB), with the aim of guaranteeing the viability of the new regulations.

As explained by the mayor, Tomeu Mulet, the modification "is not an arbitrary limitation but a necessary regulation" to ensure that farmers have clear rules and, at the same time, preserve "the quality of life of the residents and the environmental value of the town." Mulet emphasized that the new regulations allow livestock farming to "continue to develop under conditions of safety, sustainability, and respect."

The agreement was approved with the favorable votes of the Popular Party and MÁS for Sineu, while the PSIB-PSOE abstained.

The regulations in force until now were vague and generated doubts for both municipal technicians and livestock farmers themselves when processing licenses or authorizations. With the approved modification, this legal uncertainty is put to an end with clear and updated regulations.

Although industrial uses are not permitted on rural land in Sineu, until now the breeding and fattening of livestock remained in a legal vacuum that could lead to different interpretations. Now, urban planning includes clear criteria for livestock farms.

Regulations

The amendment incorporates a new article and a land use plan that divides the municipal area into two zones based on distance from urban centers—both Sineu and the neighboring towns: María de la Salud, Llubí, Costitx, Lloret de Vistalegre, and Sant Joan.

Thus, the following limits are established for newly established or expanded farms:

• Zone 1 (less than 2 km from urban centers): maximum of 280 Large Livestock Units (LLU).
• Zone 2 (between 2 and 4 km): up to 560 UGM.

To apply these limits objectively, a table of equivalences has been incorporated that establishes large livestock units according to species: cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and rabbits.

Furthermore, the new land use plan makes it possible to clearly visualize zoning and distances, and improves legal certainty for both technicians and livestock farmers.

The City Council maintains that this new regulation represents a step forward in ensuring the municipality's sustainable development. "With this action, Sineu will have clear regulations that make livestock farming compatible with the preservation of the landscape and the safety of people," stated municipal sources.