The Herencia motocross circuit overcomes the environmental impact

The Provincial Delegation for Sustainable Development of Ciudad Real has issued a favorable environmental impact report for the motocross circuit project promoted by Mercedes Buján Gómez-Calcerrada in the municipality of Herencia (Ciudad Real). The resolution, dated August 17, 2026, concludes that the action has no significant effects on the environment and, therefore, should not be subject to an ordinary environmental impact assessment. The agreement is published in the Official Gazette of Castilla-La Mancha number 164, dated August 27, 2026, within section III of other provisions and acts.

The decision is adopted under Law 2/2020, of February 7, on Environmental Assessment of Castilla-La Mancha, which in its article 6.2 subjects projects in Annex II to a simplified assessment, including permanent racing tracks for motorized vehicles. The processed file is PRO-CR-24-1682, initiated on December 14, 2023, at the request of the City Council of Herencia as the substantive body.

A 1,500-meter circuit next to the Biosphere Reserve

The project is located on plots 114, 115, 119, and 120 of polygon 73, approximately 900 meters west of the urban center and bordering roads CM-3165 and CM-420. The facility comprises a circuit 1,500 meters in length with a minimum track width of 8 meters, a perimeter fence of approximately 830 meters, and a total surface area of 42,362 square meters across the four estates.

• Pilot parking: 194 spaces.
• Public parking: 104 spaces.
• Two prefabricated huts (kiosk and toilets) and a watertight septic tank.
• Exclusively daytime activity, without washing, workshops, or fuel supply.

The land is located in the Transition Zone of the Humid Mancha Biosphere Reserve, in the Iberian lynx Importance Zone according to its recovery plan approved by Decree 276/2003, and in the proposed Dispersion Zone of the Spanish Imperial Eagle. The layout of the CM-3165 also borders the “Montes de Toledo” High Fire Risk Zone.

Neighborhood objections and consultations with agencies

During the processing, objections were received from two local residents. Ana María García Navas Tajuelo opposed the project due to an alleged conflict of identity of the promoter, the partial occupation of plot 114 by a canine residence hotel, and its possible incompatibility with animal welfare regulations. Vicenta Iniesta Gomez-Calcerrada, owner of a nearby estate for sale, alleged damages due to the influx of vehicles, fumes, and noise.

The environmental body consulted a dozen administrations, including the Herencia City Council, the Guadiana Hydrographic Confederation, the General Directorate of Roads and Transport, the Natural Environment Service, and the Provincial Health Delegation. The reports conditioned the activity on measures for fauna protection, wastewater management, fire prevention, and noise control, the assessment of which falls under the municipality’s jurisdiction.

Conditions for implementation

The resolution imposes extensive environmental conditions that the developer must comply with before starting the works and during operation. Notable measures include conducting a prior inventory of protected species within a 200-meter radius, the installation of a perimeter vegetative screen, the undergrounding or adaptation of power lines, and permeable fencing for wildlife.

• Phenological work stoppages between September 1 and October 31 in the event of bat colonies.
• Wastewater storage tanks more than 40 meters from wells and 25 meters from watercourses.
• Annual environmental monitoring report during the first three years.
• Prior authorization from the General Directorate of Roads for access points and affected areas.

Monitoring compliance with the report will be the responsibility of the Herencia City Council as the substantive body, which must make the surveillance program public on its electronic office.

The resolution allows for the unblocking of a sports facility demanded in the region, but places the responsibility for environmental control on the municipality and the developer. The proximity to the Biosphere Reserve and areas of threatened species, such as the Iberian lynx and the imperial eagle, makes the monitoring of these conditions a key test in reconciling motorized leisure with environmental conservation.

Source: Official Gazette of Castilla-La Mancha, no. 164, August 27, 2026, section III, page 31117 (official reference: 2026/6277, file PRO-CR-24-1682).