The issue at hand is the implementation of the Urban Restructuring Space Detailed Plan for Carcavelos-Sul (PPERUCS), promoted by the company Alves Ribeiro, which foresees the landscaping requalification of Quinta dos Ingleses through the creation of an urban park and the construction of a housing development, with commerce, services, and hotels.

The execution of this plan jeopardizes the permanence in this space of about 50 people, of various nationalities, who created an improvised "campground" there.

"We request that all occupants of the property remove themselves from it, as well as their respective belongings, by May 31, 2024," reads a notice released today by the company Alves Ribeiro, owner of the land.

Speaking to Lusa, one of the residents who occupies that space, Andreia Costa, lamented the situation, but explained that about 30 people are already trying to find an alternative solution, given the imminent eviction.

"We are negotiating for a plot of land, 30 of us who have lived together since we arrived here," she indicated, emphasizing that there are four people who live there who need "a more in-depth look," given their social situation.

In a response sent to Lusa, a source from the construction company Alves Ribeiro confirmed that the company is informing the "occupants of the land" that they will have to leave by May 31, as well as all their belongings.

The company also indicates that the first phase of intervention includes the construction on site of the "largest public urban park in the parish," in order to carry out "an important enhancement of the natural heritage, with the recovery and planting of native species, as well as the creation of a continuous green area and the enhancement of the ecological system."

"Among other leisure and recreation spaces for the community's enjoyment, the project also includes a playground, a soccer field with stands and a training field for Grupo Sportivo de Carcavelos, a gym, as well as parking to support the beach," the construction company also states, adding that 65% of the property will be ceded for accessibility, green spaces, social spaces, and leisure.

In a reaction, the vice president of the association SOS Quinta dos Ingleses, which has contested this urbanization plan, criticized the passivity of the Cascais City Council (Lisbon district) and said that he will shortly file an injunction to suspend the intervention planned for Quinta dos Ingleses.

Pedro Jordão also mentioned that contacts are underway with the different political forces to schedule a meeting and discuss the urbanization project.

Contacted by Lusa, a source from the Cascais City Council referred to recent statements by the mayor, Carlos Carreiras (PSD), who pointed out that the local authority "does not have the conditions or responsibility to ensure an alternative housing solution for the approximately 50 people who are living in Quinta dos Ingleses.

"On our part, we have absolutely nothing to do with that, nor is there an obligation. It would not be fair, from a social point of view, that the fact that they came to camp there would oblige the council to put them ahead of thousands of other Cascais citizens who have been registered for a long time and are flagged," the mayor told Lusa also this month.

In May 2021, Carlos Carreiras stated in the Assembly of the Republic that the local authority does not have the capacity to stop the urbanization project for Quinta dos Ingleses, claiming that this would imply the payment of an "unbearable compensation," since the promoters "have acquired rights over that land."

The Left Bloc and PAN (People-Animals-Nature) have already presented draft resolutions in parliament to preserve and safeguard Quinta dos Ingleses.

Read Also: Quinta dos Ingleses. Fifty people live in a camp due to the crisis (Portuguese version)