Valencia residents protest tourist apartment conversions in Benicalap

Residents in the Benicalap neighborhood of Valencia are protesting the conversion of residential ground floors into tourist accommodations. The conflict centers on a building at 6 Encarna Albarracín street, where a company is constructing a 22-room horizontal hotel.

Neighbors claim the project violates community statutes that prohibit hospitality, catering, or leisure activities without unanimous agreement. Residents have reported structural concerns and aesthetic damage caused by workers opening windows into common areas. They expressed fears regarding the impact on shared facilities, including a swimming pool, paddle courts, and children's play areas.

While municipal inspections confirmed the company holds an administrative permit for the change of use to hotel services, the Valencia City Council's Urbanism department has requested a legal review. The municipal legal advisory team will determine if the alleged violation of community statutes provides the city with the authority to halt the ongoing construction works.