Barcelona’s High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) has annulled a 2022 urban planning change for Gràcia, saying the plan was economically unviable. The ruling affects a proposal meant to improve urban and environmental conditions in the district.

The decision, seen by Europa Press on 29 May, came after an administrative appeal by several property and real estate bodies. Those included the Association of Property Developers and Builders of Catalonia, the Barcelona Urban Property Chamber, the College of Property Administrators of Barcelona-Lleida, the Official College of Real Estate Agents of Barcelona and Province, and the Association of Real Estate Agents of Catalonia.

The appellants argued that the modification of the General Metropolitan Plan (MPGM) was invalid because of financial and economic sustainability problems. They also said the plan had not gone through a public consultation process during its drafting and approval. They argued that some measures in Article 9.2 placed specific burdens on property owners without compensation.

The Generalitat and Barcelona City Council rejected those claims and asked the court to dismiss the appeal. The TSJC agreed with the appellants on the economic point, finding the MPGM financially unsound. It rejected the argument linked to the social memory report.

Gràcia is one of Barcelona’s most densely populated districts, with more than 120,000 residents. Known for its village-like feel and many squares, it has long been a focus for planning debates. The ruling adds uncertainty to future development in the area and underlines how hard it can be to push through major changes in a built-up part of the city.

The court’s finding on economic unviability may also matter beyond Gràcia, as it reinforces the need for stronger financial studies in planning cases. Parties have 30 days from notification of the sentence to file a cassation appeal. For more on local planning and city issues, see our community coverage and Barcelona sport news.

Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read the original report.