El Plantío Golf Resort's initiative to expand its facilities in the Bacarot area of Alicante faces an initial hurdle in its processing as a Project of Regional Interest (PIA). The environmental group Colla Ecologista d'Alacant-Ecologistes en Acció has submitted objections arguing the insufficiency of water resources for irrigating the planned new golf course.
The conservationist collective points out that the company plans a second golf course of over 624,000 square meters, which would require a water concession of approximately 318,554 cubic meters. However, according to the Júcar River Basin Hydrological Plan (2022-2027), the current concession for El Plantío Golf is 0.1 cubic hectometers, and no greater future allocation is authorized.
Despite this, the project's report mentions a concession title from the Rincón del León wastewater treatment plant to irrigate the new golf course and other sports facilities. The Ministry of Environment will need to verify these data with the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ) to resolve the water availability issue.
Before deciding if the project merits PIA recognition, the Ministry will also evaluate the investment volume (estimated between 118 and 150 million euros), job creation (up to 2,455 jobs projected), and its innovative nature.
The proposal includes, in addition to the second golf course, five football fields, 12 paddle tennis courts, an indoor pavilion, an international school for 1,000 students, a residence for students and athletes, and a tourist villa area. The execution would be carried out in phases.
