The Lanzarote and La Graciosa Cabildo has rejected two proposed tourist projects in Playa Blanca, Yaiza, due to breaches of regulatory requirements that prevent their approval.
The first project aimed to expand accommodation by adding 154 lodging units and 308 beds. However, a technical report from the Tourism Planning Department found that the northern section of the expansion had three floors not served by a lift, which violated applicable regulations. There was also no exemption granted by the Canary Islands government. As a result, the government council declined to approve the request for provisional classification of the expansion.
The second proposal involved converting a single-family home into a tourist villa, also in Playa Blanca, with plans for one lodging unit and 14 beds. This resolution highlighted that the proposed capacity did not align with the actual characteristics of the home. It noted that the distribution and access did not preclude room rentals or different users sharing the space, and that it lacked several compulsory minimum facilities.
Oswaldo Betancort, president of the Lanzarote and La Graciosa Cabildo, stated that these decisions are based on technical criteria and adherence to regulations. He emphasised the need for meticulous management of the island’s accommodation capacity and territory.
Territorial Policy Councillor Jesús Machín explained that the technical reports identified specific breaches that prevented the authorisation of both projects as presented. He reiterated the Cabildo’s responsibility to enforce regulations and ensure that tourism development in Lanzarote complies with legal standards.
Machín also mentioned that the Cabildo is working on updating land-use planning tools to provide Lanzarote with a clear framework that balances economic activity with environmental protection, continuing a focus on robust tourism authorisation processes.
