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The Villas Caravaning campsite on the coast of Cartagena is facing an uncertain future following the recent closure of a large part of its facilities due to breaches of fire safety and planning regulations. However, the company that owns and operates the site has now proposed a way forward to safeguard the future of the complex.

 

The company is calling for the creation of an urgent working group composed of representatives from the Cartagena City Council, campsite management, private owners and neighbourhood associations. Its aim would be to develop a practical regularisation plan that allows the continued operation of the site while addressing legal and safety concerns.

 

The proposed solution comes in the wake of ongoing enforcement actions by municipal authorities. This Tuesday, May 27, officials continued sealing key areas of the site including the supermarket, restaurant, offices, mobile homes, kids club, water park, playgrounds and sports facilities. With all services now closed, the company warns that more than 20,000 bookings will be cancelled, affecting both holidaymakers and the local economy.

 

Campsite management argues that the problems stem from unauthorised developments by private individuals within the site over the past four decades. According to a 2021 inspection, almost 50% of the 2,300 plots are privately owned, many with permanent dwellings installed without municipal licences. The company says it has reported these irregularities for years but claims no enforcement action has been taken against the private owners.

 

The company maintains that it holds valid activity and opening licences for tourist purposes, including one issued in 1985 for the complex and another granted in 2015 confirming a change of ownership. It also points out that the municipal authorities have historically allowed property sales within the site and have accepted payment of local taxes on the private homes.

 

In addition, several of those living at the site have even been allowed by the Council to register on the padrón at that address, according to campsite managers.

 

In a meeting held this Wednesday May 28 with the councillor for Town Planning and Infrastructures, Diego Ortega, residents and company representatives were told that the complex has been under a suspension order since 2022. Ortega said the site cannot resume full operations until a special plan regulating the use of plots and buildings is approved. He committed to accelerating the process once the required documentation is submitted.

 

The company insists it is ready to collaborate and has already submitted legal appeals. In the meantime, it warns that without a coordinated and realistic solution, what it sees as one of the Region’s most important outdoor tourism destinations could face permanent closure.

 

Image 1: Felipe G. Pagán/Ayuntamiento de Cartagena

Image 2: Chema E. M./Ayuntamiento de Cartagena