Urban planners warn of saturation in Barcelona's metropolitan area

The discussion revolves around a key dilemma: build more within the city or expand into new territories. The proposal to increase density in strategic areas has reignited the debate, especially in municipalities such as L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, where population concentration is already among the highest in Europe.

Experts insist that densifying does not necessarily mean overcrowding. If well planned, it can improve access to services, strengthen public transport and make the city more efficient. However, they warn that in some municipalities the room for growth has already been exhausted and that it may even be necessary to reduce urban pressure.

A recent study distinguishes three scenarios: localities that should lose population, others that can grow moderately and a third group with capacity to absorb new residents. Cities such as Mataró and Sant Feliu de Llobregat still have room, while others show a high level of saturation.

The challenge also involves adapting the supply to social changes. The rise in one-person and smaller households requires new housing types, while the average density planned in new developments remains below the legal maximum.

Beyond building, alternatives are proposed such as refurbishing empty homes, converting offices into flats or making use of underused land near stations. The weight of tourism and temporary renting adds complexity to an already fragile balance.

In a territory where millions of people and a large part of economic activity are concentrated, planning decisions will shape the future. The challenge is not only to grow, but to do so without losing liveability, cohesion and real access to housing.