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Tarifa council has approved a large housing and hotel development right next its most famous beach, despite 157 objections.
Despite months of opposition, campaigners were left stunned this week as councillors approved plans for the massive development in Los Lances Norte, a quiet, protected area just outside the town.
The project includes 730 homes and 1,360 hotel beds, covering a patch of land bigger than 80 football pitches – all just a few metres from the dunes and wetlands of Playa de Los Lances, part of a national park and a European nature reserve.
The area is supposed to be protected – it’s part of the Strait Natural Park and falls under the EU’s Natura 2000 network. It could now be demolished to make room for luxury apartments, second homes, and tourist resorts.
Local conservation group Ecologistas en Acción slammed the decision, calling it a disaster for both the environment and local people. “This isn’t housing for families from Tarifa – it’s more second homes for the wealthy, more hotels for mass tourism, and more stress on a town that’s already at breaking point,” said spokesman Javier Gil. Olive Press conducted an investigation in the past. “People come to Tarifa to see untouched beaches – not to spend their holidays staring at concrete blocks,” he added.
Los Lances has been around since the early 2000s. It’s based on a town plan from 1990 – before any proper environmental laws were in place – and until now had been gathering dust. It was reportedly being eyed by big investors, but the council brought it to life.
The campaigners claim that the move is a part of a larger land grab.
The Olive Press has previously revealed that the town hall has earmarked six major coastal sites for development – including Valdevaqueros, Las Piñas and Cabo Plata – in what could mean a 450% expansion of Tarifa’s urban footprint.
Gil stated that the speculation driving this project is pure. “There is not enough water and infrastructure. The locals can’t afford to buy the houses that are already there.” The council pushes through projects that will benefit rich outsiders.”
Some in the tourism industry are also against it. Peter Whaley is a British hotelier who has lived in the region for many years. He told the Olive Press that the plan was “crazy”. We should do all we can to preserve this section of coastline. It’s one the last places where overdevelopment hasn’t destroyed it.”
Environmentalists warn that the plan will have a devastating impact. The area is home to endangered birds, fragile dunes, and wetlands that act as flood protection – all of which will be at risk. Tarifa’s already suffering from water shortages and crumbling public services. This is especially true during summer.
Gil stated, “There is just not enough for everyone.” There is not enough housing to house the people living here. There is not enough water. In August, there’s not enough room to breathe. Now they want to build an entire mini-city on a nature preserve?
After an environmental assessment, the Andalucian Regional Government will decide if the plan gets the green light.
Campaigners are worried that the decision has already been made, particularly with the Partido Popular in charge of both the regional council and the local government.
Agaden, the local chapter of Ecologistas, called the public consultation process ‘a joke’, after all 157 objections – including expert reports warning about flooding, infrastructure and legal violations – were ignored.
Gil said, “They aren’t listening.” They’re turning Tarifa, into another Costa del Sol. No one voted for this. The people who love this place, who live here year-round – we’re being shut out.”
Protests will be expected this summer. He added, “We won’t take this lying-down.” “If they think that we will let them destroy the coast without a struggle, they are in for a rude awakening.”
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