Developers try to speed up projects

So far the town of Javea has resisted plans put forward by property developers to build more than 1,500 homes on the former wetlands of the Saladar in Javea.

Rejecting a proposal put forward in 2011 by promoters Azul Park and Salvador Vila to build 1,716 homes in the area, the group continues its mission to build on what is effectively the last area of virgin, second-line land left in the town. 

They have renewed their quest with added vigour, gaining support from British investors, and have put forward a new proposal to build over the 490,378-square-metre natural area which is home to reeds, tamarisk and eucalyptus. 

The plan incorporates 1,500 homes and a hotel, even though the area is prone to flooding, each and every time it rains. 

The developers may well be in a hurry to get the plans passed since it is becoming more likely that the wetlands will become protected. 

Currently they are listed as developable land; however, the Urban Land Action Plan for Green Infrastructure (Pativel) is protecting land within 500 metres of the coast from development. 

The wetlands also lie one metre below sea level and there have been hydrological studies that have endorsed the creation of an inland lake, that could well serve the town and environment on many levels.