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Date Published: 24/02/2025

El Portús campsite developers push ahead with unauthorised construction

Residents of the recently renamed campsite are facing a renewed battle to keep their homes as potentially illegal mobile homes spring up on the site

The long-running conflict between the residents of El Portús Naturist Campsite and its corporate owners has taken another turn with the controversial installation of mobile homes on the site.

The development, which has been denounced by local environmental activists, is proceeding despite apparent breaches of planning laws and mounting legal challenges from the community.

Now rebranded as Taiga Resorts Costa Cálida, the campsite has been at the centre of disputes since it was taken over by Newtown Capital S.L. in 2023. Long-term residents have faced eviction, intimidation and legal uncertainty as the new management moves forward with its redevelopment plans.

The latest controversy involves the installation of 65 modular homes, with a further 35 planned as work progresses. However, local environmental platform Cala Morena Libre has raised the alarm, arguing that these structures require an urban planning licence, which the developers have failed to obtain.

Local resident Chris Miller said, “The planning inspectors arrived Friday morning and have supposedly put a stop order on the building work and ordered that the site be put back as it was. The work, however, continues this morning.”

His observations point to a troubling disregard for legal processes, a sentiment echoed by activists.

The site sits within a protected area under the Natura 2000 Network, making any urban development subject to strict environmental oversight. Cala Morena Libre has attempted to obtain official clarification from Cartagena City Council, the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, and the central Spanish government, but has so far received no response. The group warns that the silence from authorities raises suspicions about whether proper procedures are being followed, though according to Chris Miller a team from the Cartagena Council turned up to inspect the site last Friday morning.

Another key issue fuelling tensions is the restriction of public access to Cala Morena beach, a popular spot whose natural entrance runs through the campsite. The environmental platform insists that the developers are unlawfully preventing access under the guise of ongoing works, despite lacking the necessary permits.

Spanish law guarantees the public’s right to access the coastline, and activists are calling for immediate intervention to reopen the pathway.

Security issues have also escalated on-site, not for the first time. “We’ve had a couple of incidents here with security,” Miller recounts. “A French woman and her male friend tried to get through the fence last week, and a security guard became quite aggressive and threw them to the ground. He then repeatedly kicked the guy as he lay on the floor trying to cover himself by rolling into a ball.”

Such reports have added to the climate of fear among remaining residents, many of whom have already endured forced evictions, home demolitions, and psychological distress.

Meanwhile, the legal battle rages on. A crucial court case is set for Tuesday March 4, where ten residents who have filed criminal complaints will decide whether to proceed to a full trial.

According to Miller, Taiga’s legal representatives, Garrigues, have been approaching residents with financial settlements in an attempt to remove them from the site.

“The offers have not been realistic, although some homeowners, because of the stress, have taken the offer and agreed to leave. We, however, along with some others, have refused and we are still here.”

In a rare legal victory for the residents, one homeowner has successfully obtained a court order granting her access to her property. Miller remains hopeful that this could set a precedent for others still fighting to remain in their homes.

As the legal battles continue, the developers remain undeterred, pushing ahead with their August 1, 2025 launch date for the new resort. But with planning inspectors now scrutinising the site and pressure mounting from local activists, the coming weeks may prove decisive in determining whether Taiga Resorts can continue its controversial transformation of El Portús.

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