Sintra Candidate Criticizes Municipal Plan for Restricting Housing on Inherited Land
Alfredo Barroca, a real estate consultant and candidate for the presidency of the Almargem do Bispo Parish Council, has publicly criticized Sintra's current Municipal Master Plan (PDM), stating that the regulation has forced young people to leave the area. Representing the PSD/IL/PAN coalition in the upcoming October 12th local elections, Barroca, 55, asserted that the PDM has "prevented many families from staying together" by making it impossible for them to build on inherited land.
The candidate's statements were made during the announcement of his campaign, where he positioned himself as a voice for residents facing housing challenges. With four years of experience as a member of the local parish assembly, Barroca explained that his decision to run for an executive position stems from a belief that he can be "more useful to the community by being on the executive decision-making side." His professional background in the real estate sector provides a specific context for his critique of the municipal urban planning policy, a topic of significant local interest.
According to Barroca, the consequences of the current PDM are tangible, leading to the displacement of younger residents who are compelled to "seek alternatives in neighboring municipalities." This issue of being unable to construct homes on family-owned land is a central point of his criticism against the existing urbanistic rules. He argues that this limitation not only affects family unity but also has broader demographic and economic implications for the parish, a locality within the wider Sintra municipality, which is part of the Lisbon metropolitan area.
In addition to the housing policy critique, Barroca outlined other key priorities for his potential administration. He identified several deficiencies in local public services, including "the cleaning of public spaces, garbage collection, recycling points, and large-sized waste." He also noted a "lack of facilities for physical activities throughout the year" as a significant issue affecting the quality of life for residents. These points form a core part of his platform focused on improving the day-to-day living conditions within the parish.
If elected, Barroca has pledged that his immediate priority would be the creation of a "more effective waste collection network." He emphasized the importance of this issue by stating that "public health must be above any failure in the services provided in this matter." This focus on foundational public services is presented as a response to what he perceives as neglect under the current administration. His campaign promises a hands-on approach to governance, with a commitment to active listening and direct engagement with the community's needs.
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The candidate also outlined his governing philosophy, assuring voters of his "total dedication, proximity to the parishioners, and active listening." He further elaborated on his intended work ethic, stating that his method will involve solving problems "definitively, on the first try, to avoid repeating failures." This message appears designed to appeal to an electorate potentially frustrated with recurring administrative issues and a perceived distance from local government decision-makers.
The local elections on October 12th will determine the leadership of the parish councils throughout Sintra. Barroca's candidacy introduces a strong focus on the practical impacts of municipal planning on residents' lives and property rights. His campaign highlights a growing debate in the Lisbon suburbs over how to balance development, heritage, and the housing needs of the local population. The outcome of this election could signal a shift in how these complex issues are addressed at the local level.
The discussion around the PDM is not new in the region, but having a candidate with a professional background in real estate articulate these specific criticisms brings a new dimension to the political discourse. Observers of the Sintra political scene will be monitoring whether this focus on housing and urban planning resonates with voters in Almargem do Bispo and potentially influences broader policy discussions within the municipality. The results will provide an indication of the community's appetite for reform in local governance and development regulations.
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