Rucandial residential opposition to Bosques de Santander

Residents of Rucandial have organized the Association of Residents Affected by the PSIR Bosques de Santander to protest a large-scale development project proposed by the Grupo Empresarial Real de Piasca. The project, designated as a Singular Project of Regional Interest (PSIR), involves the construction of more than 7,000 homes, a City of Justice, roads, and green spaces.

Association spokesperson Andrea Oria has criticized local institutions for a lack of transparency. Residents have raised concerns that the project's actual scope is significantly larger than the 37 homes initially reported by the regional government. Furthermore, the association has questioned the validity of relocation plans, noting that proposed resettlement sites may involve land not currently owned by the developer.

Following a meeting between Cantabria President María José Sáenz de Buruaga and local residents, a new delimitation of the PSIR has reduced the number of dwellings directly affected from 29 to 6. The President has requested that the developer, Real de Piasca, implement this new boundary to protect the neighborhood's main core.

Despite this reduction, the Association of Neighbors Affected by the PSIR Bosques de Santander is demanding a total halt to the project. During a meeting with Mayor Gema Igual, the association emphasized that reducing the number of affected homes or recalculating plans does not constitute acceptance. They argue that economic compensation or relocation cannot replace the loss of homes and community history. While the Mayor committed to requesting detailed technical plans, she noted the City Council has limited approval powers as the PSIR is managed by the regional government, which maintains its public interest declaration due to the inclusion of approximately 3,200 affordable housing units.