Albufeira lifts construction ban for most of the summer

Building work be allowed in Albufeira during July and September after the municipality approved a temporary lifting of its long-standing summer construction restrictions.

Until now, the municipality’s urban planning regulations suspended most construction activity throughout the summer months to minimise disruption during the peak tourist season.

Under the new exceptional regime, building works will be permitted from July 1 to 31 and from September 1 to 30, with the ban remaining in force throughout August, traditionally the busiest month for tourism in the Algarve.

The decision applies to all types of construction work covered by the municipality’s urban planning regulations.

To reduce disturbance for residents and visitors, work will only be permitted on weekdays between 8am and 8pm, in line with Albufeira’s environmental noise regulations, the municipal council says. No construction work will be allowed at weekends under the new rules.

The municipality said the previous blanket suspension throughout the summer created significant difficulties for the construction sector and businesses that depend on it.

The council believes it is possible to balance the continuation of building projects with the needs of the tourism industry by concentrating restrictions on August, when visitor numbers are at their highest.

According to the municipality, the measure forms part of a broader strategy to support economic activity while preserving residents’ quality of life.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.