The Madrid city government, led by José Luis Martínez-Almeida, is moving forward with plans to build a student residence on the historic grounds of the former convent of the Damas Apostólicas, despite a ruling from the High Court of Justice of Madrid (TSJM) that emphasizes the site's inseparable historical and architectural value. The decision was made during a city council meeting, where Almeida's administration was left isolated in its support for modifying the General Urban Planning Plan of 1997. This modification aims to allow the cataloging of existing buildings and gardens of interest, while also enabling the construction of eleven new buildings by the company Global Alchiba SL.

This area, particularly the gardens of the former convent located in the Chamartín district, was declared a recognized site of cultural interest (BIP) by the Community of Madrid in November 2018, which should provide a layer of protection against such developmental changes. The judicial decision effectively highlights the conflict between urban development and the preservation of historical heritage, a pressing issue in many urban centers. Critics of the mayor's project argue that such constructions threaten the integrity of sites that hold significant cultural value for the community and the city's history.

The implications of this decision are considerable, as it sets a precedent for how urban planning interacts with heritage conservation in Madrid. Activists and local residents have expressed their discontent, fearing that this move will not only erase part of the city's history but also invite further encroachment on other protected sites across Madrid. As urban spaces continue to evolve, the balance between development and preservation remains a contentious topic of debate among policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.