Eco-organisation Almargem is not fooled for a minute by plans for a 'scientific research centre' near Querença, Loulé and is suspicious that this is a really just another luxury hotel project.
The direct views over the neighbouring Quinta da Ombria resort, currently under construction, are a bit of a give-away, according to the environmentalists.
In late May, 2015, Loulé council approved the Casas da Benémola project near Querença mainly because the original plan had been changed from a tourist resort to a scientific centre, with attached accommodation, but the environmentalists say it is highly convenient that it adjoins another resort and that the scientific centre will have views over the adjoining golf course, luxury hotel, and 400 villas and apartments at Quinta da Ombria.
This proposed Casas da Benémola scientific research centre will be funded by the Arto Carpus Castelo Foundation, a Finnish organisation named after millionaire Finnish businessman Arto Takala.
Almargem say the foundation really is indistinguishable from Arto Takala's property development company, and that Takala was the initial promoter of the adjoining resort of Quinta da Ombria, and it was he who wanted a similar luxury development at Casas de Benémola but had been thwarted for years due to its ‘protected’ location.
The scientific research centre includes a 4-star hotel with 17 rooms and two suites all designed by the well known local Architect Fernando Pessoa.
Almargem says that it is confusing and contradictory that Casas de Benémola is located in 10 hectares adjoining Quinta da Ombria, now owned by another Finnish investor (Pontos Group) adding that the research center with which Takala wants to protect the Mediterranean ecosystems of the Barrocal, has a direct view over Quinta da Ombria which has destroyed one of the areas of the Algarve that the foundation seeks to nurture.
Almargem calls on Loulé council to look at the intolerable pressure that has intensified around the Benémola valley and decide whether to allow this magnificent and unique territory to become just a private leisure park for thousands of tourists.
Almargem today called on Loulé council to organise a forum for discussion about protected areas and sites in the Natura 2000 network in its area in order to discuss the best ways to manage this valuable heritage.
It is not known whether any regulations are in place to limit use of the accommodation at the scientific centre to those engaged in research to protect the Algarve’s countryside, or whether this is indeed just going to be a luxury resort dressed up as a scientific centre to get around planning regulations.
Also, it is not yet clear whether the local council is involved in any duplicity to the extent that it later will ignore the lack of a scientific research centre but sign off the luxury accommodation which then can function as a tourist resort.
