Environmental groups Almargem and the LPN have condemned plans for the proposed Quinta da Ombria development in Loulé. The new tourist complex, headed by Finnish entrepreneurs, would involve the construction of golf courses, two hotels, 12 apartment blocks and 35 homes.
The environmental groups are dissatisfied with the conclusions of the Environmental Impact Report (EIA) and a spokesman from the LPN Algarve says the report should be redone. The group has also recommended a local hydro-geological study, to ensure that the project would not threaten what they call “the biggest reserve of subterranean water in the Algarve” beneath “highly permeable limestone terrain”.
Both groups have called the project “criminal” and have threatened to take their case to European courts if necessary to block the development. Speaking to the local press, the LPN Algarve spokesman expressed his amazement at the study, which claims the construction of the golf courses will have “little significant impact”. He claimed that the errors and presumptions of the study are such that the document should engender “nausea” in its technicians.
