A new conflict is brewing in Madrid between residents and the city council. The municipal authorities’ decision to resume construction of a controversial facility in the Montecarmelo area has sparked a wave of outrage. Despite a court ban and the lack of required permits, heavy equipment has once again appeared on the site. This development could set a precedent for other neighborhoods in the capital, where locals fear similar projects near their homes.
Construction defies bans
On Wednesday morning, local residents noticed activity on the vacant lot: workers brought in long beams and materials. By the next day, excavators and drilling equipment had started earthworks. According to witnesses, workers failed to present any papers authorizing the work, and some employees were on site without protective gear. This raised suspicions that construction was proceeding without an official license and in violation of safety regulations.
Residents of the neighborhood, united in an initiative group, have filed a complaint with the Labor Inspectorate. They demand an immediate halt to the work, citing risks to people’s health and safety. According to them, city hall is deliberately ignoring a court ruling that declared the project illegal due to its industrial nature and proximity to residential buildings.
Authorities respond as administration remains silent
The municipality has not commented on the situation. Officials have not responded to requests regarding the reasons for resuming construction or the existence of permits. The only official explanation given is that the object is intended as a city maintenance facility, slated for completion within a year depending on weather conditions.
Residents believe the authorities are using a tactic to ‘make it irreversible’: accelerating the work so that the project cannot be halted even if a court rules against it. This strategy was already used last summer, when construction equipment appeared on-site during the holiday period. At that time, a conflict broke out between workers and locals, with residents attempting to physically block the excavator.
Documents and internal contradictions
Recently, activists found an internal document dated 2018 on the municipality’s website, clearly stating that such facilities should not be located near residential areas to avoid causing discomfort to city residents. Nevertheless, city officials are still pushing to carry out the project specifically in Montecarmelo.
Court proceedings in this case are ongoing. In December 2025, an activist group filed a lawsuit with the Madrid Administrative Court. There is already a ruling in favor of the neighboring educational institution—the court recognized that the facility poses a risk to children and locals due to constant vehicle movement, unpleasant odors, and dirt. However, the city hall is appealing the decision and continues the work.
Protests and new forms of resistance
The area is currently on high alert. Residents are preparing a new protest and plan to draw the attention of city and national media. They believe that only widespread publicity can stop the construction. According to El Pais, the situation in Montecarmelo could become a case study for other neighborhoods where authorities attempt to push through controversial projects without considering citizens’ opinions.
A similar tension has recently arisen in other regions of Spain. For instance, in Catalonia, a failure in the railway system sparked widespread discontent and debate over the government’s role in such crises. Detailed coverage was provided in the article about the unexpected stoppage of Rodalies trains in Barcelona, where residents also faced the consequences of decisions made without regard for their interests.
In recent years, Spain has seen more cases where urban projects have sparked protests due to violations of environmental and social standards. In 2024, residents in Valencia managed to halt the construction of a waste processing plant near residential areas. In Seville, discussions have focused on relocating industrial facilities outside the city limits following complaints about noise and air pollution. Such stories show that public pressure and legal action are becoming increasingly effective tools for defending the interests of citizens.
