Spain’s Socialist Party and Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante, known as AHSA, have submitted objections to plans for an eco-hotel complex on more than 170,000 square metres of protected rural land beside La Mata lagoon, in the Natural Park of La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons.

The proposal includes a 20-room hotel created from the existing Casa Sala farmhouse, 13 new cabins, a wellness area, an interpretation centre and other facilities. The total built area would be 2,644.64 square metres, compared with 547.26 square metres at the existing property. The project would also include an agrivoltaic area and outdoor swimming and spa facilities.

AHSA and the PSOE say the development could harm the landscape and nearby habitats, increase the risk of pollution and fire, and affect land classified as being at level-four flood risk. They say the site is also within several international, European and regional protection designations.

The groups argue that the park’s management plan prohibits new tourist buildings and limits extensions to existing structures. They claim the proposal would increase the built area far beyond the permitted 25 per cent limit. They have called for the environmental process to be suspended until further reports are obtained, including an assessment from the Segura River Basin Authority. AHSA says granting a licence would be unlawful.