Funchal Council approves Carmo Detail Plan despite opposition

Independent councilor Jorge Afonso Freitas voted against the Carmo Detail Plan during a Funchal Municipal Council meeting. While Freitas acknowledged the technical quality and importance of the plan for rehabilitating the historic center, he opposed it based on political priorities and parking concerns.

Freitas noted that the plan allows for a minimum of zero private parking spaces per property, setting only maximum limits. He argued that while this may facilitate rehabilitation, it raises questions regarding how additional parking demand from new residential and commercial activities will be met. Although the plan relies on collective solutions such as public parking and a rotating public garage, Freitas emphasized that these solutions must be effectively constructed and available rather than just planned on paper.