Carboneras council annuls license for El Algarrobico hotel, paving way for demolition

The Carboneras city council has approved the annulment of the building license for the El Algarrobico hotel, a critical step toward demolishing the controversial structure that has stood as a symbol of illegal coastal development for over two decades. The vote, held on July 7, 2026, marked the second attempt to pass the measure after a previous postponement in June Source: La Vanguardia.

The vote

The motion passed with eight votes in favor from the mayor and councillors from Ciudadanos, PP, and two PSOE members, while four councillors walked out before voting Source: ABC. The council complied with a 20-day deadline set by the TSJA to avoid forced execution Source: La Vanguardia. The mayor, Salvador Hernández, defended the decision as "complying with justice" Source: ABC.

Political fallout

The vote deepened a split within the PSOE. Two socialist councillors voted for annulment after being threatened with expulsion, while three others (including party spokesman José Luis Amérigo) left the chamber Source: El Confidencial. Amérigo argued the decision was "illegal" for lacking economic impact studies Source: El Confidencial. PSOE leader María Jesús Montero claimed credit for the outcome and urged the Junta de Andalucía to "instigate the demolition immediately" Source: El Español.

Next steps

• The developer Azata del Sol is expected to appeal the annulment, potentially extending legal battles for several years Source: ABC.
• The demolition cost and potential compensation (estimated at €4 million, down from an initial €70 million) remain unresolved Source: El Español.
• Environmental groups and both central and regional administrations are calling for swift restoration of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar natural park Source: La Vanguardia.