Madrid's Superior Court Upholds Ruling Against Parking Lots Near Bernabéu Stadium

The Superior Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) has delivered a significant ruling in favor of local residents surrounding the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, affirming a prior judicial decision that annulled the concession for the construction of two proposed parking lots in the vicinity. This development follows an appeal lodged by the City Council of Madrid and Real Madrid, which the court has now dismissed, effectively siding with the Neighborhood Association of Those Affected by the Bernabéu. The ruling, as reported by Europa Press, emphasizes the residents' concerns over procedural violations regarding the allocation of the concession contract for the parking facilities. The opposition was driven by claims asserting that the projects would contravene the Urban Regulations outlined in Madrid’s General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU), particularly regarding the usage and regulation of garages and parking areas. Moreover, the residents expressed their discontent over the lack of an environmental impact assessment prior to the proposed works, alongside the absence of a safety study that specifically addressed the implications of a tunnel planned beneath the stadium. The court also addressed procedural matters, noting that the City's argument for the inadmissibility of the appeal was not upheld. It concluded that the Neighborhood Association held legitimate grounds to challenge the procedure, thus reinforcing its role as an interested party in the proceedings. Particularly pivotal to the court's decision was the finding that the viability study originally submitted by Real Madrid underwent notable changes following the public hearing process, modifications that were never subject to re-evaluation by the public. The court criticized the City Council for relying on traffic studies that were limited to simulations of peak traffic during typical days, rather than factoring in the higher traffic volumes during significant events at the stadium. In light of these findings, the court underscored that the City Council failed to demonstrate that the construction of the parking lots, including a direct connection to the Bernabéu Stadium's existing parking, serves any broader public or general interest, which is a fundamental requirement under Urban Planning regulations. This ruling not only reflects the court's commitment to upholding urban planning laws but also resonates with the concerns of residents who advocate for a more considerate approach to urban development surrounding one of Madrid's most significant cultural landmarks. As this case unfolds, it highlights the intricate balance between large-scale infrastructure projects and community interests in the urban landscape of Madrid. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2