Andalucia Golf Courses Set To Receive A Handicap

While Spain and Golf Courses have gone hand in hand for many years, it looks as though leaders of the autonomous Andalusia region of Spain think a little differently. They have just passed a new law which will see fewer golf courses built in the future, and those which do receive planning permission will not be able to use them as a centre piece for housing developments. So why have the local government decided to change laws which have for many years encouraged more investment and more visitors to the region?

Like so many property based decisions of late, the move has been prompted by fears for the environment, the lack of water recycling and misuse of the beautiful countryside for commercial purposes. While the stricter planning application laws will not affect golf course developments which are currently in development or have already received planning permission, the new water regulations will apply even to older developments. Golf Courses will no longer be able to use water fit for human consumption on their greens, instead they will need to recycle water from a variety of sources.

While the new water regulations may be an irritation to current golf course developments, it is the planning application laws which are set to cause the most upset. Spain has long been a major attraction for the golfing community, with areas such as the south of Spain particularly popular. Not only do these developments bring extra tourists to the area, but they also bring in new investments and employment for the local community.

Those companies who already have golf courses in the region will see the value of their assets rise overnight, but those who were planning future ventures may see their plans derailed and have to go back to the drawing board. The question that now arises is will this move be replicated throughout other areas of Spain, in particular Murcia, where the golf course plus property model has played a key part in opening up this part of Spain to tourists and Spanish property buyers alike and has been the foundation for the Polaris World developments and many more besides ?