GIBRALTAR OFFICIALS ENDORSE MULTITOWER PROJECT

The government of the British territory Gibraltar has endorsed the construction of a multitower project that would add 665 residences, but the plan is proving to be controversial, The Express reports. The developers of Hassan Centenary Terraces envision six waterfront towers up to 33 stories tall in the northeastern section of the territory, with at least some of the units described as “affordable.” Spanish authorities are challenging the project, however, saying the land has been “illegally reclaimed,” despite it being on the shores of the British territory. The challenge stems from a longstanding dispute over territorial waters — the U.K. claims authority over a small area of sea surrounding Gibraltar, while officials in Madrid assert sovereignty over all waters around the territory except for its port. The proposal is also facing criticism from Gibraltar’s own planning commission, which is raising concerns about the visual impact the towers would have on the iconic landscape.