This decision allows the process for the expansion of the Iberre Institute in Sopela to continue, an educational infrastructure deemed "strategic" for the town by the council. The Town Council has already sent the preliminary project for the provisional urbanization of the land to the Department of Education of the Basque Government, awaiting its approval to commence works.
AVS/SAA based its opposition to the urbanization project on two main arguments: first, that urban planning regulations did not foresee all land being for educational use; and second, that the land classification did not permit the relocation of Iberrota street.
However, Sopela Town Council has responded that the Abaro Partial Plan itself contemplates the educational use of said land and that the modification of Iberrota street is necessary for this purpose. The council emphasized that it has taken the initiative without waiting for the development of the Abaro sector, occupying the land in advance and ceding it to the Basque Government to act "in favor of the general interest of Sopela".
“"We reiterate the urgency of having educational infrastructures that respond to the needs of current and future students. The progress of the Iberre institute expansion project is fundamental to provide a solution to existing needs."
Following the dismissal of the appeal, a broad majority of the municipal corporation, 16 out of 17 councilors, along with the parent associations of students from Zipiriñe and Iberre, have supported the project. In an appearance in front of the institute, they have asked the sole councilor from the AVS/SAA party to reconsider their position and "facilitate the development of a project that is a priority for the general interest of Sopela".
Regarding the judicial process, AVS/SAA filed an administrative appeal against the Abaro Partial Plan in 2023. The High Court of Justice of the Basque Country ruled in favor of Sopela Town Council in September 2025. Nevertheless, against this favorable ruling, AVS/SAA filed an appeal in cassation at the beginning of December last year, and the High Court of Justice of the Basque Country is awaiting its analysis, after Sopela Town Council itself formally opposed it.
Now, awaiting the approval of the Basque Government, the Town Council will proceed with the urbanization works necessary for the relocation of the Iberrota road and the expansion of the institute. The council has indicated that, considering the provisional nature of the urbanization, it will analyze which costs can be attributed to the owners of the Abaro sector; these costs will be determined when the Partial Plan is fully developed.
