The controversial Coastal Law is to be subject to "very deep reforms" aimed at "enhancing the value" of Spain's coastline, Environment Minister Miguel Arias Cañete, of the new Popular Party government, said Friday.

The environment could not be a restraint on economic development, the minister said in a speech, adding that he would "simplify environmental paperwork" and encourage tourism in national parks.

The conservative government has been critical of a law aimed at clearing the Spanish coastline of the miles of concrete that cover it following years of indiscriminate building. Thousands of foreigners with Spanish properties within 100 meters of the shore have been affected by the law, and European lawmakers have tried to pressure the government into modifying it.