Studies for a urban development zoning plan for Vale do Freixo

Vale do Freixo, with an approximate area of 380 hectares, is located north of the village of Benafim, in the municipality of Loulé, in-between the inland “Barrocal” and the mountains of the Caldeirão. This location has a unique scenery and natural features, perfectly adequate for a low-density high-quality touristic resort.

The initial planning survey and studies have supported the application for the recognition of national public interest (reconhecimento do interesse público nacional) by the Portuguese Government, because this is a “Núcleo de Desenvolvimento Económico tipo III”, (Economic Development Nucleus), as defined in the Regional Plan for the Algarve (PROT Algarve). This type of development is of high economic relevance and is entitled to have a touristic component.

The studies made combine the preservation of the natural values, as well as the natural landscape, with an urban design with uses only 38 hectares (10% of the total area of the site) with a total gross built-up area of approximately 130.000 m2, organized by nuclei in a sitting of forest of cork and holm oak, olive grove, carob trees, aleppo pines, agricultural areas, as this property is located in the Barrocal site (part of the Natura 2000 Network).

The land use programme includes areas for tourism, an 18 golf course, shopping, sport and leisure facilities and areas for economical non-touristic uses.

The Portuguese Government recognized the national public interest on the 14th of March 2012.