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Residents of Alhaurin de la Torre are still suffering from noise pollution caused by the historic Club de Tiro JarapaloThe shooting range has been in operation since the 1960s. The facility is still in operation despite multiple official measurements that confirm excessive decibel levels. Administrative orders have been issued for temporary or partial closures and there are environmental concerns dating back many years. This frustrates local families and international residents and leads to calls for greater accountability.
Shooting range well over decibel limit
The club located in the Pinos de Alhaurin area, adjacent to forested land, has been a source controversy for years. In the past few years, the population of the town has tripled, going from about 17,000 people in 1996 to more than 45,000 today, as new residential areas have been built on previously rural zones. Neighbours argue that the constant gunfire, often exceeding 80 decibels in nearby homes, far surpasses the legal limit of 60 decibels under Andalusia’s noise regulations (Decreto 6/2012), classifying violations as very serious offences punishable by fines up to €300,000.
In early 2024, residents gathered and presented a certified measurement of acoustic to the regional authorities. Six reports were issued by the Junta de Andalucia and Alhaurin de la Torre Town Hall after independent tests confirmed violations. On June 20, 2025, the Junta’s territorial delegate for Sustainability and Environment, José Antonio Víquez, ordered a precautionary closure of all five shooting lanes, citing “serious danger to people’s health or safety” due to prolonged exposure above safe limits.
Do you turn a blind-eye?
The full shutdown, however, never came into effect. In a few days, after an appeal from the club, the regional environmental minister reversed part of the decision. Two lanes were shut down, but the three that were furthest from houses were allowed to remain open under strict conditions. The plan required three consecutive compliance tests: one at closed doors and two during federated competitions within three months. If any test fails, the range will be closed.
Residents claim that the plan is flawed because it relies on club-controlled measurements, which could bias results in favour of the club. Residents claim tests were carried out in less-affected zones or under non-maximum circumstances (e.g. all positions not occupied). The club’s recent measurements were successful, and operations could resume as usual, even before the official test. The facility continues to host events including Olympic trap-shooting sessions scheduled for January 11, 17 and 24. However, it has canceled the larger Grand Prix competitions in 2026 for “technical” reasons and is now focusing on training.
Environmental issues are a new layer
In 2022, the Guardia Civil‘s Seprona unit and prosecutors investigated lead contamination in the nearby La Breña stream from spent projectiles, together with questions about the club’s operating licence (allegedly issued 60 years ago but untraceable today). A criminal probe into the mayor, Joaquín Villanova, and 12 councillors for inaction was eventually dismissed, with the court finding no “objective contamination.”
Villanova has been in charge of the town since 1996. He has come under fire from locals, opposition parties and associations for allegedly delaying the enforcement process amid suspicions that there was a tacit deal to keep the club operating while they sought relocation. In council meetings, he had hinted that there would be “good news”, including a move out of the municipality. But progress has been stymied. The club was established decades before most homes and maintains that the residents were aware when purchasing their property.
Local residents are at their limit
While new measurements await and the club attempts to challenge restrictions in court, the standoff never ends, raising questions about heritage sports facilities and urban expansion as well as community well-being on the Costa del Sol.
Many residents of Spain are concerned about noise. What sounds prevent you from sleeping well? Tell us in the comments.
Spanish noise pollution nightmare
