Tenerife’s Environmental Commission Halts Controversial Hotel Expansion Plans

The Environmental Evaluation Commission of Tenerife (CEAT) has put a stop to the San Miguel de Abona Town Council’s ambitious initiative aimed at transforming a golf course into additional tourist accommodation. This decision comes amid growing concerns regarding the environmental implications of the proposed project.

In-Depth Review of the Proposed Development

The council’s proposal, submitted under the Programme of Action on Urban Environment (PAMU) for the Golf del Sur area, has sparked significant debate. CEAT has expressed that the potential environmental impact of the project is substantial enough to warrant a comprehensive environmental assessment rather than a simplified review process. This determination underscores the commission’s commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of the region while balancing development needs.

Accommodation Expansion Plans Under Scrutiny

The plan seeks to repurpose several holes at Golf del Sur, a decision driven by a noticeable decline in golfing activities across the island. The objective is to boost the number of accommodation spots from the current 500 to an ambitious 965 by converting underutilized areas into new lodging facilities. This proposed increase represents a significant shift in the area’s tourism strategy, aiming to attract more visitors to the region.

Environmental Concerns and Recommendations from CEAT

CEAT’s findings have highlighted the presence of various environmental values that must be taken into account. The commission has pointed out that the project area is home to a rich diversity of avifauna, which is largely attributed to the unique steppe habitat characteristics and the nearby water bodies that serve as crucial stopovers for migratory birds. The ecological balance of the area is delicate, and any alterations could have unforeseen consequences.

Initial assessments conducted by CEAT indicated the presence of only two protected bird species in the vicinity, neither of which were found to be nesting. However, the commission has recommended further investigations to ascertain whether the cessation of golf activities has led to an increase in the local bird population within the proposed construction zones. This recommendation reflects a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, ensuring that any potential impacts on wildlife are thoroughly evaluated.

In terms of cultural heritage, while no archaeological sites have been documented within the golf course itself, the Historical Heritage Service of the Tenerife Cabildo has advised that an archaeological survey be conducted in the area. This recommendation stems from previous discoveries of lithic, ceramic, and malacological materials in nearby locations, suggesting that the area may hold historical significance that warrants further exploration.

Concerns Raised by Planning Authorities

The Territorial Planning department has voiced substantial concerns regarding the proposed increase in accommodation capacity, which would expand the municipality’s tourist offerings by approximately 20%. Officials argue that this growth lacks adequate justification in relation to the area’s carrying capacity and the existing infrastructure, which is already under considerable strain from both population and tourist demands.

Moreover, the planning department has highlighted that the initiative conflicts with the Modernisation, Improvement, and Competitiveness Enhancement Plan, which restricts the area to a maximum of 500 accommodation spots. The proposed construction does not align with the insular tourism planning framework, leading to the conclusion that the council’s alternative is not legally viable. Additionally, deficiencies in the assessment of the supply and sanitation systems have been noted, as they do not conform to the current hydrological plan, raising further red flags about the project’s feasibility.

Key points

• The Environmental Evaluation Commission of Tenerife has halted plans for hotel capacity expansion in San Miguel de Abona.
• The proposal aimed to increase accommodation from 500 to 965 spots at Golf del Sur.
• CEAT determined that the project may significantly impact the environment, requiring a thorough assessment.
• The area is noted for its rich avifauna, which could be affected by the proposed changes.
• Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of infrastructure to support the increased tourist capacity.
• The initiative conflicts with existing tourism planning regulations.
• Further investigations into local bird populations and archaeological surveys have been recommended.