Lanzarote’s local government has received the preliminary document for the new Island Planning Plan (PIOL) from the public company Gesplan. According to Oswaldo Betancort, leader of the island’s government, this marks a significant step towards finalising a comprehensive plan that will guide the territorial development of Lanzarote and La Graciosa over the coming decades.
This progress aligns with the government’s mandate to update a planning tool that hasn’t been reviewed in over 30 years, which is essential for addressing current challenges regarding land protection, housing, infrastructure, mobility, sustainability, and economic development.
In a press statement, Betancort highlighted that “this document fulfills one of our major promises this term. We committed to updating island planning and today we take a solid step towards providing Lanzarote with a modern and relevant tool for the 21st century.”
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Territorial Policy team, praising council member Jesús Machín and the technical staff for their rigorous work. “Thanks to this effort, we now have a document that will help us move towards a land-use model that balances protection with opportunities for future generations.”
Betancort stressed that the new PIOL is designed for responsible planning rather than unchecked growth, ensuring legal security while meeting the island’s historic needs and preserving its remarkable natural heritage.
Vice President María Jesús Tovar stated, “Planning is the best guarantee for making responsible decisions with a forward-looking vision. This advance brings us closer to a more coherent land-use model that meets the current needs of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, enabling better-coordinated public policies.”
Jesús Machín elaborated on the environmental focus of the plan, noting that 59.46% of the island will be protected, increasing the areas under natural preservation compared to the previous plan. He highlighted the removal of outdated urban development plans to enhance land conservation and ensure balanced growth.
The new PIOL also reduces land designated for new tourist accommodation, transforming areas like Montaña Roja into protected environmental spaces while increasing land for primary sector use and reserving space for public housing to meet social demands.
Machín concluded that the new document looks towards the future of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, promoting sustainability, renewable energy, and the improvement of existing roads rather than the construction of new ones. He noted that after receiving the preliminary document, it will be made public before moving to initial approval.
