Enforce the freeze on new golf courses, says environmental group

The environmental group GOB has reminded the Balearic Government of their plan to freeze the construction of new golf courses. The “gentle reminder” came yesterday as it was revealed that seven golf courses are seeking planning permission added to the three which are already under construction at various sites in Majorca. Presently there are 15 golf courses in Majorca. Developers are seeking permission to build new courses at Capdepera, Palma, Pollensa (two), Muro, Son Servera and Llucmajor. According to GOB the freeze should already be in force because the local government has now been in office for over 15 months. Yesterday's reminder came following a recent survey which stated that one of the reasons why Majorca was so popular with British and German house-buyers was because of its excellent golfing facilities. Environmentalists claim that golf courses ruin the environment and eat away at vital natural resources. Developers say that the addition of new courses will lead to a further influx of “big-spending” tourists at a time when the local ministry for tourism wants to take the industry more up-market. A similar state of affairs has occurred with yacht clubs, with the local authorities not allowing further construction because of their impact on the environment. This state of affairs means that there is a severe shortage of moorings during the summer months.