Controversy grows over solar farm in protected Mar Menor zone near La Manga Club

Work has resumed on two 10-hectare solar farms near the Mar Menor following a court ruling that found the projects met regional environmental requirements

The Mar Menor is once again at the centre of controversy after a group called the Platform of Residents Affected by Photovoltaic Projects criticised work resuming on a solar farm following a court ruling that lifted a temporary suspension on the project.

It says the decision allows construction to continue in an area they describe as 'highly environmentally sensitive.'

Just weeks ago, the Administrative Court No. 1 in Cartagena lifted the precautionary suspension affecting the solar projects. The court ruled that they met the technical and environmental requirements set by regional authorities.

The ruling allows work to resume on the solar plants in Los Belones, in the Campo de Cartagena area. Construction had previously been halted by Cartagena City Council, but that suspension was overturned by a court order issued on April  15. The projects form part of ongoing investment in renewable energy infrastructure in the region.

Each solar farm covers around 10 hectares. The sites lie between the residential development of La Manga Club and the Las Barracas area.

Residents argue the court has prioritised the company's economic interests over environmental protection in what they describe as 'a particularly vulnerable location.' 

Environmental and planning concerns over solar project

One of their main concerns is an alleged breach of the Environmental Impact Assessment. They say the report explicitly prohibits construction work between March and July due to the sensitivity of local wildlife, but claim that work has resumed during this restricted period.

The group also says the court only looked at changes to the shaping and levelling of the land and missed issues like potential soil damage and changes to natural drainage patterns.

The site is located in one of the most strictly protected environmental areas. Residents say this should require far stricter oversight, pointing out that the Mar Menor is already under significant pressure from agriculture, long recognised as a key cause of its environmental decline.

They also question the fact that other areas were not considered, or even alternate ways of doing the project that would cause less damage to the environment.

The company's plans to turn the project into an agrivoltaics scheme have also caused concern. The new design would include building structures up to four metres high, which residents say is a major change and should require a completely new planning process and environmental assessment.

The group says it will submit formal objections to the Regional Ministry for the Environment, supported by technical reports and photographic evidence. It also claims it has repeatedly requested a meeting with regional authorities over the past three months without success.

Finally, the residents' group has called on the public to raise awareness of what it describes as a serious environmental issue in the Mar Menor, as tensions continue between renewable energy development and environmental protection in the area.

Image: Artistic representation