Despite local concern, work on two private projects in Lagoa – involving 4 and 5-star hotels, villas and a golf course – is poised to start after council chiefs have finally given the green light for construction.
The projects on the coastal area between Benagil and Praia da Marinha are being led by Benagil SA, which is part of the Inland group that has Benfica president Luís Filipe Vieira as its main shareholder.
Benagil SA has already invested €3 million to get the controversial projects up and running, confirmed Lagoa Câmara.
Some locals however are upset that the plans will see “the destruction of one of the last natural coastal habitats of the Algarve”. And during a visit to the area, a group of coastal walkers, all from Germany but who wished to remain anonymous told us: “It is a great shame to lose all this greenery to concrete. I don’t believe more developments are needed here.”
Speaking to the Resident, council spokesman Carlos Alvo argued that the project will bring “many benefits” to the borough.
Alvo stressed that both developments will not only create jobs, but also help boost the local economy.
Confirming the projects were funded entirely by private investors, Alvo would nonetheless not tell us how much was being invested to bring them to life. He also added that he did not know when the work would start.
The Resident also spoke to various estate agents in the area, who all share the opinion that the project spells good news.
“Low density/high quality development is what we need,” said one Carvoeiro agent. “Very little has happened in the way of new development over recent years, and as long as this project is well funded and marketed it will help install confidence in the market, resulting in an increase in demand and subsequent rise in today’s deflated property prices”.
The Resident tried to obtain a comment from Benagil SA but at the time of going to press no one was available to speak to us.
By Michael Bruxo
