The Lanzarote Council has received the draft of the new Land Use Plan (PIOT) prepared by the public company Gesplan, which will undergo a public consultation lasting 45 days. This initiative aims to gather feedback from citizens and local administrations.
Councillor for Territorial Policy, Jesús Machín, shared this update during a plenary session on Thursday, where he outlined the progress of significant territorial planning tools for Lanzarote and La Graciosa. Oswaldo Betancort, the council president, emphasised that current efforts are progressing on plans that have been stalled for years.
“Lanzarote and La Graciosa require updated planning that ensures legal security for residents, protects our natural areas, and addresses the island’s needs,” he said.
Machín noted that the new PIOT has passed through six stages from initial information to its current draft stage. He described the plan as “essential for Lanzarote,” enabling better environmental protection, increased land for agriculture, and clearer coastal management.
Key proposals in the PIOT include raising the percentage of protected land from 42% to 60% and potentially tripling space designated for agricultural use. The plan also aims to protect over 99% of the coastline and reclassify more than 110,000 square metres of land previously allocated for tourism.
Machín recalled that the previous review process for the Land Use Plan was rendered void in 2022 after more than 15 years and over €800,000 in expenses, prompting the council to restart the procedure.
After the public consultation, the next steps will include initial approval in a plenary session, another public consultation, and eventual final approval.
The councillor also updated on other environmental plans. The Special Plan for the Protected Landscape of La Geria is 67% through its process, with eight out of twelve phases completed. The project awaits initial approval after completing drafting and environmental evaluation stages.
The management plan for the Los Volcanes Natural Park has been fully processed, proposing a new urban zoning for El Golfo, while the management plans for both Los Volcanes and the Chinijo Archipelago are ongoing.
Plans to modernise Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise are also in progress, incorporating input from local authorities and businesses to enhance these tourist areas.
Additionally, Machín discussed the regulation of vacation rentals, reporting a decline from a peak of 8,209 to 6,300 properties, with over 2,500 expiring tourist accommodations already noted.
The Council is also considering temporarily suspending buggy tours in rural areas due to concerns about noise, dust, and damage to roads, with ongoing consultations to establish measures and assess environmental compatibility.
Machín concluded by reiterating the necessity of advancing territorial planning instruments to meet the real needs of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
