The Cabildo de Tenerife announced on Wednesday that it will promote a new Environmental Impact Declaration as part of the allowed framework under the Territorial Action Programme, which includes the construction of the Motor Circuit in Granadilla de Abona. This declaration will remain valid indefinitely.
This decision follows a ruling by the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands, which overturned the only previous court ruling supporting the Cabildo regarding the modified northern access project for the Motor Circuit, thus nullifying the Environmental Impact Declaration.
In light of this judgement, the Cabildo stated it will not file any further appeals and will withdraw any existing ones related to this case. They have also asked their legal services to review the ruling’s implications on any contracts in place.
Despite these legal challenges, the island government remains committed to the new Environmental Impact Declaration related to the Motor Circuit project.
The Motor Circuit has its roots in a Territorial Action Project approved in 2005, giving it over 20 years of history. The Environmental Impact Declaration was approved in 2011, stipulating that construction must start within five years of the agreement’s notification to remain valid.
Work commenced in August 2016, but progress was limited, leading to the termination of the initial contract due to various issues. During the previous administration, led by Pedro Martín of the PSOE, the project was re-initiated, culminating in the award of the first phase of work to Sacyr-Bahillo.
Previously, the courts had dismissed a claim regarding the timeline of construction, affirming the Environmental Impact Declaration’s validity. Now, the recent ruling annuls the contested administrative act without declaring the Territorial Action Project expired, which continues to hold indefinitely, subject to environmental and legal requirements necessary for moving the project forward.
According to the Cabildo, the aim of the Motor Circuit is to provide a dedicated space for drivers and motorsport enthusiasts to conduct training and vehicle tests safely. This facility is intended to cater to the longstanding demand from the motor community in Tenerife for secured, permanent training grounds. The Cabildo noted that having such a venue would enhance safety in motorsport activities and improve relations between motorsport fans and other road users.
