The Madrid City Council has approved in an extraordinary and urgent commission on Urbanism, Environment, and Mobility the Special Plan promoted by the Madrid Exhibition Institution Consortium (Ifema) that will redefine the area of Juan Carlos I Fair Park. The proposal will be submitted to the Madrid City Council Plenary for discussion and voting, which will take place next week.
The deputy mayor and municipal spokesperson, Inma Sanz, has highlighted the importance of this step to make the project, which they consider beneficial for the city, a reality. Once approved in the Plenary, provisions and resolutions will be taken into account to address possible inconveniences related to noise and mobility in the area where the project is sought to be carried out.
On the other hand, councilor Antonio Giraldo has pointed out that the file presents "serious deficiencies" that have not been adequately addressed, which could lead to legal insecurity. In this sense, both the socialist group and Más Madrid have expressed their opposition to the proposal, while Vox abstained in the voting. Despite the criticisms, the Popular Party has supported the Special Plan.
The Urbanism delegate has explained that the Special Plan will allow increases in buildability already contemplated in the General Plan, as well as the possibility for Ifema to host sports events. Although the project has received criticism from the opposition, it is expected to generate a significant economic impact in the city.
Regarding the licensing process, it is expected to be processed by the Urbanism department and be ready by the end of April. Environmental aspects such as acoustic pollution and environmental impact assessment will be taken into account to mitigate possible negative effects on the population near the future Formula 1 circuit. Additionally, alternative solutions will be sought to minimize the impact on the population and the natural environment in case the noise barriers prove insufficient.
