Residents in El Médano have formally objected to plans to install two new beach bars (chiringuitos) on the seafront, arguing the project would increase overcrowding, damage the environment and breach Spain's coastal protection laws.
The proposals, put forward by Granadilla de Abona Town Hall, would see new beach bars built on El Cabezo and La Jaquita beaches. However, the local Barquera Neighbourhood Platform, supported by environmental groups Salvar La Tejita and ATAN (Tenerife Association of Friends of Nature), has submitted formal objections calling for the plans to be withdrawn.
"The village needs breathing space"
The residents' group says El Médano is already struggling with the effects of mass tourism and does not need more commercial development along its coastline.
In its submission, the platform points to growing problems including a lack of parking, overflowing rubbish, increased noise, recurring sewage pollution in the sea leading to beach closures, and rising housing pressures linked to holiday rentals.
The group argues that, rather than adding more businesses to the beachfront, the town should focus on improving residents' quality of life.
As the platform puts it: "A village that is already so overcrowded doesn't need more pressure – it needs breathing space."
Legal concerns over coastal development
The objections also claim the proposal breaches Spain's Coastal Law, which generally allows commercial occupation of public coastal land only when the activity cannot reasonably be located elsewhere.
Residents argue that condition is not met because there are already more than a dozen cafés, bars and restaurants operating within the nearby urban area that can serve beachgoers.
They also cite previous rulings by both the National Court and the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands, which have stated that commercial convenience alone is not sufficient justification for occupying public coastal land.
Environmental assessment questioned
The objectors also argue that the planning process is legally flawed because it does not include the required environmental assessment for its potential impact on the Natura 2000 protected network.
Both proposed sites lie next to the Sebadales del Sur Special Area of Conservation, an important habitat for protected seabirds and marine ecosystems.
At El Cabezo, the surrounding area also contains fragile embryonic dune habitats and vulnerable native plant species.
Existing dispute over El Cabezo
Residents say the proposal is particularly controversial at El Cabezo, where Spain's Directorate-General for the Coast previously instructed the council to remove an existing car park built on the beach.
That order, issued in 2023 following the official demarcation of public coastal land, called for the area to be restored to its natural condition.
The neighbourhood platform argues that proposing a new commercial structure while an unresolved demolition order remains in place makes little sense.
Fears based on previous experience
The campaigners also point to previous beach kiosks in the municipality, claiming they gradually evolved into larger hospitality businesses serving alcohol, hosting live music and staging events beyond the scope of their original licences.
They argue this led to repeated breaches of local noise regulations and negatively affected nearby residents.
According to the platform, similar developments are likely if the new beach bars go ahead.
Calls for public consultation
The Barquera Neighbourhood Platform is calling on both Granadilla de Abona Town Hall and the Directorate-General for the Coast to abandon the plans.
It is also urging the council to explain why public resources are being used to promote new private hospitality businesses instead of addressing what residents describe as more pressing social and community needs.
The group wants future decisions affecting El Médano's coastline to involve genuine public consultation, with a greater focus on protecting the environment, restoring degraded coastal areas and safeguarding the quality of life of local residents.
