Lorraine Williamson
A legal dispute has emerged concerning plans to convert the historic Las Chiqueras farmhouse, situated approximately 900 metres from Playa de los Genoveses in Almería’s Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, into a four-star hotel. The proposed development includes 30 rooms, a swimming pool, and 70 parking spaces.
While the project has received environmental approval from the Junta de Andalucía, it awaits final consent from the Níjar municipality. Environmental and civil society groups staunchly oppose the plan, citing potential adverse effects on the protected area.
Environmental concerns and legal challenges
Critics argue that repurposing the agricultural land for hotel use contravenes the Plan de Ordenación de Recursos Naturales (PORN), which designates the area as C1, permitting only agricultural activities. Julián Vera, president of the Asociación Amigos del Cabo de Gata-Níjar, warns that approving this project could set a concerning precedent for future developments within the natural park. In response, environmentalists have initiated legal proceedings and launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance an expert ecological assessment to bolster their case.
Public opposition and mobilisation
The project has ignited significant public dissent. The ‘Genoveses sin Hotel’ platform, comprising various ecological and community organisations, has amassed nearly 260,000 signatures opposing the development. Additionally, approximately 4,000 formal objections have been submitted to local authorities. Demonstrations have been organised to voice collective disapproval.
In a recent article, El País reported that environmental organisations and residents have expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed hotel near Playa de los Genoveses. They argue that the project lacks the necessary public utility and social interest justifications required for construction in a protected area. Additionally, they highlight a legal loophole in current regulations that could permit such development within the natural park.
Developer’s position and political support
The development firm, Torres y González Díaz, asserts that the project aligns with sustainable tourism principles and has undergone modifications to meet environmental standards. The Junta de Andalucía, governed by a coalition of the Partido Popular and Vox, granted environmental authorisation in January 2022. The final decision now rests with the Níjar Town Hall, which assumed responsibility for the project in July 2024. Mayor José Garrido has indicated support for the development, a stance that has intensified the debate between economic interests and environmental preservation.
Balancing development and conservation
This dispute underscores the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental conservation in regions of ecological significance. As the legal process unfolds, the outcome will likely have lasting implications for future projects within protected natural areas across Spain.
Also read: The hidden beauty of Cabo de Gata