El Portús campsite developers push ahead with allegedly unauthorised construction
Residents of the recently renamed campsite are facing a renewed battle to keep their homes as potentially illegal mobile homes spring up on the site
The long-running conflict between the residents of El Portús Naturist Campsite and its corporate owners has taken another turn with the controversial installation of mobile homes on the site.
The development, which has been denounced by local environmental activists, is proceeding despite apparent breaches of planning laws and mounting legal challenges from the community.
Now rebranded as Taiga Resorts Costa Cálida, the campsite has been at the centre of disputes since it was taken over by Newtown Capital S.L. in 2023. Long-term residents have faced eviction, intimidation and legal uncertainty as the new management moves forward with its redevelopment plans.
The latest controversy involves the installation of 65 modular homes, with a further 35 planned as work progresses. However, local environmental platform Cala Morena Libre has raised the alarm, arguing that these structures require an urban planning licence, which the developers have failed to obtain.
Local resident Chris Miller said, “The planning inspectors arrived Friday morning and have supposedly put a stop order on the building work and ordered that the site be put back as it was. The work, however, continues this morning.”
His observations point to a troubling disregard for legal processes, a sentiment echoed by activists.
The site sits within a protected area under the Natura 2000 Network, making any urban development subject to strict environmental oversight. Cala Morena Libre has attempted to obtain official clarification from Cartagena City Council, the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, and the central Spanish government, but has so far received no response. The group warns that the silence from authorities raises suspicions about whether proper procedures are being followed, though according to Chris Miller a team from the Cartagena Council turned up to inspect the site last Friday morning.
Another key issue fuelling tensions is the restriction of public access to Cala Morena beach, a popular spot whose natural entrance runs through the campsite. The environmental platform insists that the developers are unlawfully preventing access under the guise of ongoing works, despite lacking the necessary permits.
Spanish law guarantees the public’s right to access the coastline, and activists are calling for immediate intervention to reopen the pathway.
Security issues have also escalated on-site, not for the first time. “We’ve had a couple of incidents here with security,” Miller recounts. “A French woman and her male friend tried to get through the fence last week, and a security guard became quite aggressive and threw them to the ground. He then repeatedly kicked the guy as he lay on the floor trying to cover himself by rolling into a ball.”
Such reports have added to the climate of fear among remaining residents, many of whom have already endured forced evictions, home demolitions and psychological distress.
The campsite owner responded to the accusations, saying, “The refurbishment works of the campsite are legal. We work correctly to ensure that it complies with current regulations. The entire project, from design to execution, takes into account the fact that this is a protected area.”
They also claim there have been neither forced evictions nor violent attitudes on the part of the campsite workers, and thoroughly refute the truth of these statements.
“We have always acted in good faith,” they said, “anticipating in good time all decisions aimed at adapting the activity of the campsite to the regulations, being flexible and making available to our customers all our services and tools.”
They continued, “Regarding the access to Cala Morena, we would like to clarify that the campsite is currently closed to the public due to works to improve the facilities. For security reasons, access is not allowed. Neither is access to the beach. In any case, there is no right of way affecting the campsite facilities. Even so, we are in talks with the public administrations involved to find the best alternative for all interested parties once the facilities are reopened.
“The indicated judicial decision on access is a precautionary measure, not final and subject to appeal. We are confident that the legal proceedings underway will prove us right as we have always acted in accordance with the law.”
Meanwhile, the legal battle rages on. A crucial court case is set for Tuesday March 4, where 10 residents who have filed criminal complaints will decide whether to proceed to a full trial.
According to Miller, Taiga’s legal representatives, Garrigues, have been approaching residents with financial settlements in an attempt to remove them from the site.
“The offers have not been realistic, although some homeowners, because of the stress, have taken the offer and agreed to leave. We, however, along with some others, have refused and we are still here.”
In a rare legal victory for the residents, one homeowner has successfully obtained a court order granting her access to her property. Miller remains hopeful that this could set a precedent for others still fighting to remain in their homes.
As the legal battles continue, the developers remain undeterred, pushing ahead with their August 1, 2025 launch date for the new resort. But with planning inspectors now scrutinising the site and pressure mounting from local activists, the coming weeks may prove decisive in determining whether Taiga Resorts can continue its controversial transformation of El Portús.
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