Balearic Parliament clears the way for comprehensive coastal bill to proceed

The proposal establishes a regional framework to conserve coastal ecosystems, regulate beach use and coordinate action by island and local councils.

At its plenary session on Tuesday the 10th of November, the Parlament de les Illes Balears rejected the Socialist Parliamentary Group’s motion to reject the Balearic Islands’ bill on coastal planning, protection and integrated management in its entirety. Following the vote, the bill will proceed to the relevant parliamentary committee, where its provisions and the amendments submitted will be examined.

Approved by the Consell de Govern on the 25th of June, the bill establishes a regional framework to regulate the use of beaches, coastal easement zones and coastal waters. It follows the transfer of coastal planning and management functions and services that took effect on the 1st of July 2023. Its objectives include conserving coastal ecosystems, protecting traditional coastal heritage and adapting to climate change.

The bill allocates planning and management responsibilities among the Balearic Government, island councils and local councils. The Balearic Government would set the overarching guidelines and coordinate their implementation. Island councils would draw up coastal planning instruments and seasonal beach service plans for each island. Local councils, in turn, would take direct responsibility for managing beaches and granting certain authorisations.

The bill distinguishes between urban beaches, natural beaches and beaches subject to special protection. This classification allows different criteria to be applied to access, parking and seasonal services according to each beach’s characteristics and level of protection. The bill also provides for public participation, strengthens the environmental assessment of proposed activities and seeks to simplify administrative procedures while retaining oversight.

For sailing, the bill provides for speed limits within one nautical mile of the coast, with stricter restrictions in protected natural areas. The aim is to reduce risks to swimmers in busy areas, help different maritime activities coexist and minimise the environmental impact of vessel traffic. The bill provides for exemptions for certain commercial and professional vessels subject to international maritime regulations.

The bill also updates the inspection and enforcement framework. Changes include introducing offences for breaches of restrictions on use and expanding the authorities’ powers to address unauthorised occupation and other unlawful uses of the coast.