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HUNDREDS OF Costa del Sol Residents face losing their homes in order to make room for a new luxury golf development, which critics claim is an outdated model of tourism.
Greenpeace and Ecologistas en Accion, two environmental groups, have joined with expats and farmers to oppose the proposed project. This would see the construction of up to 680 Villas and 3 large Hotels on the fertile agricultural lands known as Vega de Maro.
The 150-hectare site near Nerja on the Costa del Sol has become a battleground between environmental protection and ‘corporate greed’, with concerns centred on water use, food security and the loss of long-standing rural livelihoods.
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Opposition intensified after landowner Sociedad Azucarera Larios (SALSA) confirmed it would not renew nearly 400 long-standing leases, forcing dozens of families to leave land they have farmed – and in many cases lived on – for years.
Greenpeace’s spokesperson said, “Another course of golf is the absolute last thing that our region needs.” The Olive Press, calling the scheme ‘outdated and speculative’.
“If forced to choose between the locals that grow food or tourism for a select few, we would go with agriculture,” added she.
The plans were first revealed by The Olive Press The area will be transformed in 2020 into a vast golf complex, despite the persistent concern over water scarcity.
At least 80 families, including 50 farmers and dozens expats are expected to move.
Richard Jones, British citizen, aged 57, claims he may be forced to leave his plot as soon as March, after more than 10 years of transforming it.
He said, “When I first arrived, there was nothing but dust and stones.” “Now there are banana trees and crops everywhere – all planted at my expense. “My blood, sweat and tear.”
He added, “I can’t accept bullies from corporations pouring concrete all over this breathtaking area and leaving me homeless.” “All for the construction of three luxury hotel? “Is this really what the area needs?”
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When warning letters were first sent in early 2025, residents say that officials at the town hall initially reassured them.
Last month, Larios announced that the leases will not be renewed. This left some tenants as little as one month to leave.
The company declined to comment this week, but has previously said the project would introduce ‘more responsible’ farming practices, claiming many plots were used as private vegetable gardens rather than professional agriculture.
Residents reject that statement.
One expat mother of 2 said, “They try to portray us as outsiders that don’t contribute.” “But, we are part and parcel of the local social fabric.” At the time I arrived, there were only ten children in the local primary schools. “Now classes are packed, mostly thanks to the foreign families.”
Campaign group Otro Maro has alleged the planning agreement underpinning the project is linked to a long-standing ‘territorial debt’ between the landowner and the local council, stemming from land transfers for public facilities between 2004 and 2010.
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The land must be reclassified before the project can proceed. It is currently agricultural land protected and holds Cultural Heritage Site status (BIC), which is the same designation given to the nearby Maro-Cerro Gordocliffs.
Ecologistas En Accion has confirmed that it has lodged formal objections with the town hall. It will also challenge any attempts to reclassify land.
Nerja’s town hall hasn’t responded to comment requests.
The Olive Press offers Costa Del Sol News.
