The social housing units that Sóller wants to build are located in a flood zone.

PalmThe project to build 24 social housing units in the Plaça de Teixidores in Sóller, the largest project of its kind promoted by the City Council, is partially affected by the area's flood risk. This fact, according to various experts consulted, "discourages" its development, given that it includes the creation of new underground parking.

The Sóller City Council and the Balearic Housing Institute (Ibavi) are working on a project to build 24 social housing units with commercial premises in the Plaça de Teixidores, a space currently used primarily for parking and public use. The initiative has generated controversy because the Fàbrica Nova, a listed Cultural Heritage Site, is located nearby. However, the City Council responded to the criticism by stating that "there is a significant housing shortage for young people in our municipality, and we must be able to take action," affirmed the Mayor of Sóller, Miquel Nadal. "The issue of flood zones is being reviewed, and of course, we will comply with the regulations. In any case, keep in mind that it's an Ibavi (Balearic Housing Institute) development, and I'm convinced that their technicians will comply with all the regulations," he added, without wanting to elaborate further on the matter. Several architects, political parties, and residents have reiterated the unsuitability of the project's location, but they are not confident that the municipal majority will agree to relocate the development. Thanks to the regulatory changes promoted by Marga Prohens, city councils have greater autonomy when deciding on locations in flood zones, provided they are not considered preferential flow zones, as is the case here. Previously, any project in a flood zone required mandatory permission from the Water Resources Department. However, right next door is a preferential flow zone, where rainwater accumulates and flows during floods. Experts warn that, although construction is legally possible, it is not a recommended location for housing due to its proximity to flood zones.

According to several architects who have studied the project, the apartments could affect the visibility of the Fábrica Nueva (New Factory) – a listed Building of Cultural Interest (BIC) – and alter the character of the public space. "It's a site that has traditionally served as open space and parking, and building housing puts the safety of future residents at risk," says one of the architects who has analyzed the project. Others criticize the lack of citizen participation in the early stages of the process.

Water connections for building apartments

The lack of affordable housing is a chronic problem in the Balearic Islands, particularly acute in tourist towns like Sóller. Both the opposition and critics of the project believe that this is why the mayor and his team will not be deterred. Ibavi (the Balearic Housing Institute) and the town councils are trying to alleviate this housing shortage by launching projects, but the scarcity of developable land and the protection of heritage and natural areas limit the options. In Sóller, tourist pressure and the limited amount of developable land have forced many residents to move to neighboring towns or live in precarious conditions. The Teixidores project addresses this urgent need: guaranteeing housing for local workers and young people who want to stay in the valley. According to Mayor Miquel Nadal, speaking to ARA Baleares, "those who want to benefit from this and other projects will have to have resided in the municipality for 18 years." The City Council assures that it is working with Ibavi to review the project and adapt it to technical and safety recommendations. According to municipal sources, the objective is "to find solutions that allow for the construction of public housing without compromising the safety or heritage of the municipality."