Vila do Conde prepares PDM review after 31 years of ratification

A Vila do Conde, district of Porto, approved the submission for public discussion of the first background review of the Municipal Master Plan (PDM), 31 years after ratification of the original document.

The proposal, approved at the meeting of the municipal executive of Thursday, intends to update the rules of occupation and use of the land of the county, focusing on housing, mobility and areas intended for companies, and should be in public discussion between the end of November and the beginning of January.

Among the main changes is the increase of more than 50% of the area destined for economic activities, from the current 621 to 955 hectares, according to information disclosed by the municipality.

The aim is to create conditions for the installation of new companies, to allow the expansion of existing ones and to recover old industrial areas, although the implementation of these spaces depends on investments and the construction of the necessary infrastructure.

In housing, the review integrates the Local Housing Strategy, seeking to facilitate access to suitable homes and affordable prices, especially for families in situations of greater vulnerability.

The proposal also includes changes in the possibilities of building construction and rehabilitation, seeking to bring housing areas closer to equipment and transport.

In mobility, improvements in road connections, the resolution of congestion points and the enhancement of public transport, pedestrian and cycling routes and connections to the metro network are envisaged.

“The plan we have was born in the 20th century. However, the needs of families, the economy and the way we move have changed. We prepared this review to create better conditions to live and work in Vila do Conde”, said the mayor, Vítor Costa, quoted in a municipal note.

The review covers all parishes of the municipality and seeks to reconcile urban and economic development with the protection of agricultural land, landscape and heritage, as well as risk prevention.

The document also provides for the creation of a fund to support urban rehabilitation, environmental protection, the construction of green equipment and spaces and the maintenance of infrastructure.

The MDP currently in force was approved by the Municipal Assembly in August 1995 and published in December of the same year, having undergone several specific changes over the years, but without a global review.

With the opening of the public discussion, the documents will be available for consultation and citizens, companies and other entities may submit suggestions and observations before the completion of the review process.