THE Supreme Court has ruled that a controversial hotel can be built inside the Cabo de Gata nature reserve.
A judge confirmed that the 50-room hotel, dubbed the ‘second Algarrobico’ by green groups can be developed on protected salt flats, the Campillo de Gata.
It came after an 11-year legal battle which saw both the Junta and campaigners declare their opposition to the potentially harmful project. Despite the decision, the Junta insisted it will “do everything in its power to protect the zone.” The license was originally granted by the then social mayor of Nijar, Joaquin Garcia.
The development – set to be undertaken by company Circulo Agroambiental – has been earmarked for 3,000 square metres of virgin land.
“We already have one hotel, the Algarrobico, why on earth would we ant another one?” warned Jose Rivera, president of green group, Mediterranean.
Green campaigners have labelled plans “an act of barbarity and an inexcusable attack on the heart of the natural park”.
