The territorial delegation of the Regional Ministry of Sustainable Development and Environment has approved the application for a simplified strategic environmental impact assessment for the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán project. The decision paves the way for further work on a new vision for the sports facility.

Urban and legal context of change

The application for the environmental assessment for Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán was formally submitted on 24 September, a few days after the City Council approved the preliminary amendment document to the 2006 General Urban Development Plan (PGOU). This document provides for the expansion of uses compatible with unique sports facilities, which include Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán and Estadio Benito Villamarin.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to allow, in exceptional cases, the use of such facilities for activities that support their financing, management and maintenance. However, manufacturing industry, residential development and petrol stations are excluded. The plan envisages the use of up to 30 per cent of the built-up area of stadiums for the promotion and development of these facilities, including services such as hotels, restaurants or leisure spaces.

© Sevilla FC, IDOM

Controversy over changes

During the City Council debate, the changes were met with criticism. A spokeswoman for the Podemos-IU group, Susana Hornillo, accused the local government of subordinating the urban plans to the private interests of the football clubs. She warned that modifying the plan would allow significant profits for the clubs with minimal benefits for the city. Hornillo pointed out the potential negative effects on residents living near the stadiums, such as increased traffic or the transformation of the area into a year-round commercial centre.

Vox councillor Gonzalo García de Polavieja, on the other hand, stressed that the change does not involve additional areas for development or the exchange of public land. However, he acknowledged that the new regulations could lead to problems related to mobility and the coexistence of different functions in the urban space.

The councillor for urban planning, Juan de la Rosa, refuted the allegations, assuring that decisions on detailed designs would only be made after the required studies and consultations had been carried out. He also stressed that the measures must comply with the Law for the Sustainable Development of the Andalusian Territory.

© Sevilla FC, IDOM