Barcelona urban development has taken a controversial turn with the approval of a private nursing home project in Horta-Guinardó’s Font d’en Fargues neighbourhood.
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Consequently, the semi-wooded La Selva estate, which residents had hoped would become public green space, will now be redeveloped despite community opposition.
Barcelona Urban Development Decision Sparks Community Division
The Urban Planning Commission approved the project following a mediation process between district authorities and the property owner. Furthermore, the development will include approximately 1,300 square metres of garden space for limited public use. This compromise secured support from Junts per Barcelona, tipping the vote in favour of the development.
Political support for the project came from PSC, JuntsXBCN, PP and Vox, while only BComú and ERC voted against. Meanwhile, members of the ‘Salvem el Patrimoni, Salvem La Selva’ platform attended the commission meeting to voice their continued opposition to the plans.
The approved project will see the demolition of a modernist house and other interior structures on the Camil Oliveres street property. Additionally, dozens of trees may be transplanted to accommodate the new construction. The estate covers more than one hectare and represents a significant change for the local area.
Previously, the municipality had unanimously approved a temporary suspension of the Special Urban Plan in February. This suspension allowed the property owner, developer Caversa SL, to present a revised proposal. Therefore, the current approval represents the conclusion of several months of negotiation and revision.
The La Selva estate had become an informal community space in recent years, with its gates left open and the modernist house occupied by young people organising cultural events. Historically, the property served as a summer residence for wealthy Barcelona families during the early 20th century, reflecting the city’s architectural heritage.
Residents had campaigned for the expropriation of the land to create permanent public green space. However, the approved Barcelona urban development plan prioritises private residential care facilities over community preservation ambitions. The perimeter wall will be preserved, though the character of the area will fundamentally change.
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