Jobs-starved Spanish town plans to transform 'paradise beach' into housing development

Struggling with an unemployment rate above 30 per cent, the town of Tarifa, Spain is looking to turn its most prestine landmark into the site of 350-home resort development.

The plan to develop Valdevaqueros Beach, better known locally as Playa de Valdevaqueros, into a sprawling house and hotel development (84,000 square metres on an area of 70 hectares)has angered many locals who have already started a "Save Valdevaqueros" campaign.

One local resident has called the plan "crazy", adding, "they are going to destroy a paradise."

But the mayor of Tarifa says the plan is needed to create jobs and jump-start the local economy.

To read the full story, click here.