A New Approach for the Capital
The Madrid City Council is in the process of drafting the Municipal Strategic Plan (PEM), a document aimed at adapting urban regulations to the current and future needs of the city. With a deadline set for the end of 2025, this plan is currently in the environmental consultation phase, where the voices of citizens are expected to be heard and considered.
The Regional Federation of Neighbourhood Associations of Madrid (Fravm) has presented a series of innovative proposals aimed at transforming the city into a more livable and environmentally friendly place. Among their suggestions is the creation of an "Eastern Casa de Campo" in the area of the Lagunas de Ambroz, a natural space that needs protection against the growing urban interest.
The Lagunas de Ambroz, which cover approximately 700 hectares between Vicálvaro and San Blas-Canillejas, are a vital wetland that has emerged after decades without mining exploitation. The Fravm warns about the dangers posed by any intensive urbanization in this area, as it could severely disrupt its ecology and connectivity. Therefore, they advocate for its conservation as a large natural space.
“Any urban development must be carefully evaluated to avoid irreparable damage,” states a community representative. They also propose establishing clear standards to differentiate between urban parks and natural spaces, thus ensuring their proper management and preservation.
Another crucial aspect addressed by the Fravm is the urgent need to regulate vehicular traffic in the city. They propose implementing specific measures to control loading and unloading in the streets, as well as limiting the misuse of public space through practices such as "double parking." These actions aim not only to improve air quality but also to reduce the pollutant emissions generated by traffic.
Apart from daily traffic, residents have expressed their concern about what they call "eventification," meaning the continuous and uncontrolled holding of large public events without adequate planning. The Fravm requests the establishment of clear criteria regarding what constitutes a mass event and proposes limitations on its frequency and duration to ensure citizens' right to rest.
Environmental health is another fundamental pillar within the PEM proposed by the residents. It is necessary to include a specific chapter dedicated to analysing how factors such as traffic or construction work affect air quality in different areas of Madrid. “It is essential to evaluate how our urban decisions impact not only in the short term but also in the long term,” emphasises one of the community representatives.
As this consultative process progresses, it is expected that all these proposals will be seriously considered by the municipal government. The ultimate goal is to create a more sustainable and inclusive city where all citizens can fully enjoy without compromising their well-being or the environment.
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