Costa del Sol
Major breakthrough for Manilva property boom as Andalucian authorities ease golf course rules for 4,600 homes
Urban planners in south-western Costa del Sol have unlocked a major residential potential along without being forced to insist developers to build the obligatory golf course.
Flexible sports facilities replace strict golf rule
Sectors known as Manilva New Golf and Pedraza, which covers over 1.6 million square metres, retain their Residencial Deportivo zoning status. Authorities now permit alternative private sports, such as padel, or tennis instead that use what experts consider less environmentally demanding land, such as the case with water-thirsty areas such as golf courses. This legal change simplifies a massive housing scheme while preserving core urban parameters from the 1994 municipal plan.
Maximum gross buildability stays at 0.33, with density capped at 10 homes per hectare across approximately 1,600,000 square metres, so there will be no swamping of housing areas. Detailed urbanisation projects already exist for both areas, unlike a third similar sector that has yet to advance.
Environmental clearance granted with strict safeguards
Andalusian regional officials issued a strategic environmental report on 17 February, confirming no significant impacts provided extensive conditions are met. The simplified strategic assessment followed Manilva Council’s request in October 2024, with formal admission in November.
Water management has always been seen as a central concern. Streams including Arroyo de la Sierra and Arroyo Indiano cross or border the zones. Planners have to guarantee ecological continuity of watercourses, ban buildings and roads in protected strips, and restrict those areas to public pedestrian or conservation uses. Comprehensive hydrological studies will map areas which are considered flood risks for 10-, 100- and 500-year return periods.
Habitat protection and wildlife measures enforced
Several priority habitats of community interest lie within the boundaries, such as Mediterranean neutral-basophilous grasslands, thermo-Mediterranean shrublands, oak dehesas, willow and oleander groves, and wild olive woodlands. Developers must keep to obligations to avoid deterioration or fragmentation of the area, retain the maximum possible extents, and offset any losses on ecologically comparable land elsewhere.
The potential presence of species including the common chameleon, otter, Mediterranean pond turtle, and even some raptors like the griffon vulture, lesser kestrel and Bonelli’s eagle requires careful handling.
Pathway to development activation
Local councillors can now proceed with detailed planning approvals once additional sectoral reports on roads and water resources are secured. The move marks a pragmatic update to outdated 1990s rules that tied residential sports zoning exclusively to golf, a model now partially relaxed for these two advanced sectors.
Property developers are eyeing the grounds with glee as the area begins to stretch the boundaries of what has become known as the “Golden Triangle” (Estepona, Benahavis and Marbella) as Manilva and bring an economic boom to the furthest reaches of the Costa del Sol.
Fuengirola’s older residents are being invited to step into spring with a free town hall celebration at the Palacio de la Paz later this month.
The event for the pensioners of the town has been organised through the municipality’s senior citizens department, and takes place on April 23 at 6pm. The evening will feature entertainment and refreshments, offering local seniors a chance to enjoy a social get-together as the weather turns and the new season gets underway.
Town hall officials say the idea behind the gathering is to encourage older residents to stay active, meet up with others and take part in community life. Now the longer days and lighter evenings are here and the milder temperatures are kicking in, it’s the perfect season for a day focusing on companionship and enjoyment.
The event has been organised to encourage pensioners to enjoy time together and stay connected
Cristina Bornao, councillor for social welfare and families, said the celebration has been designed as a pleasant and lively occasion where senior residents can spend time together and enjoy a change of scenery. The aim, she said, is to encourage all our older residents to take part in this celebration, which is being prepared with great care so they can enjoy an enjoyable, active afternoon in good company.
Attendance is free with entry being controlled by invitation. These can be collected from April 14 at the senior citizens department in Fuengirola town hall. Anyone wishing to attend must show a valid pensioner’s card when picking up their pass.
On the day itself, guests will need to bring both the invitation and an identification document, such as an NIE or TIE, in order to enter the venue.
The council continues to promote wellbeing, social participation and inclusion through community activities for the older residents. The spring party will give local pensioners a chance to meet up, enjoy some entertainment and stay connected with others.
Tickets can be collected from April 14 at the senior citizens department in Fuengirola town hall. Visit the website for details and updates.
Marbella mayor meets with association volunteers about new building.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella
Marbella is going ahead with plans to create a new building in Huerta del Prado dedicated to various social associations operating within the city. This forward-thinking project will equip multiple collectives with appropriate facilities to carry out their activities in a supportive setting that encourages growth and community engagement on multiple levels, like a co-working space for charities.
800 square metre facility offers natural environment for social work.
Associations will get approximately 800 square metres of shared space designed for collaborative efforts among different groups. DEBRA Piel de Mariposa, CADI and several other charities will benefit from an open and natural environment that allows easier integration of work routines with areas for relaxation and specialised support services aimed at improving overall user experiences and long-term outcomes.
Location respects agricultural and natural surroundings of Huerta del Prado
Project designers have identified and selected a portion of the land showing reduced agricultural use inside the larger plot that includes both allotments and greenhouse elements. Placement occurs in a particularly shaded section to ensure full respect for the surrounding natural landscape while adhering closely to environmental considerations and local planning guidelines.
Council leads collaborative Efforts with key charities
Ongoing collaboration will involve direct engagement with entities such as DEBRA Piel de Mariposa and CADI along with other relevant organisations that require proper infrastructure to develop their important work effectively and sustainably.
Design focuses on therapy and recreation for improved wellbeing
Future building design incorporates flexible premises that enable collectives to pursue daily tasks together with opportunities for recreation and therapy in one comprehensive location. Shared use among distinct social entities goes together perfectly with existing urban planning regulations applicable to green areas and promotes enhanced wellbeing for all participants involved in these crucial initiatives.
The plan fits nicely into Marbella’s social portfolio.
Administrative procedures continue in the initial phase, with authorities focusing on completing necessary formalities prior to the start of construction activities.
A charity fun day in aid of ADANA Dog Shelter is being hosted at The Sun Inn, El Padron, Estepona, on Saturday, April 18. The fun filled day will have market stalls, live music, children’s entertainment and fundraising activities planned throughout the afternoon for a great cause.
Running from 1pm to 7pm, the event is free entry and hopes to attract families, locals, and supporters of the animal rescue charity.
Entertainment includes a selection of market stalls to browse with local goods and handmade crafts, live music from Emerald Echo, pony rides from Finca Caballos Al Kadar, a bouncy castle, raffle, games with prizes, and plenty of food and drink.
ADANA was established to help the towns stray animal issues
The event is being organised to raise money for ADANA, the Estepona-based charity formally known as the Association for the Rights of Abandoned Animals. Founded in 1990, the organisation was created to help the town’s stray animal problem and has since become one of the coasts best-known dog rescue charities for its amazing work.
Run by volunteers, ADANA rescues, shelters and rehomes abandoned, sick and injured dogs, while promoting responsible animal care. The charity says it never puts down a healthy animal, a principle that has shaped its reputation over more than three decades.
ADANA operates from Parque Los Pedregales in Estepona and relies on donations, adoptions and fundraising events to continue its work. Money raised helps cover food, shelter, veterinary treatment and day-to-day care for dogs waiting to find permanent homes so days like this are extremely important.
Charity events are regularly hosted by the popular local bar The Sun Inn
The venue, The Sun Inn, is a popular family-run bar and restaurant in El Padron with a welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and mix of food and drinks. It regularly hosts community events and fundraisers, doing excellent work to help raise money.
The Market Stalls charity day is held at Camino de Montesol, El Padron, Estepona. For more information, or to book a stall, call 611 22 43 00 or visit The Sun Inn facebook page.
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