The Plenary of the Cabildo of Lanzarote has approved the Land Use Plan for the Natural Park of the Volcanoes, a document that recognises El Golfo as an urban centre for the first time and will allow the regularisation of housing and the allocation of land for facilities in Yaiza.
The Cabildo of Lanzarote has greenlit the Land Use Plan (PORN) for the Natural Park of the Volcanoes, a document that ends years of territorial uncertainty in the south of the island. The approval, which was opposed by the PSOE, marks a milestone as it is the first major planning instrument completed entirely in the current term.
Historic Recognition for El Golfo
The PORN recognises El Golfo, in the municipality of Yaiza, as a consolidated urban centre for the first time. This measure responds to a historic demand from residents, who have lived for decades with legal insecurity regarding their homes. Now, property owners will be able to begin the process to legally register their properties.
The president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, described the agreement as "one of the most important in recent years" and emphasised that "it shows that Lanzarote can move forward when there is political will to unblock strategic issues." Betancort stressed that "for too long, territorial planning remained stalled, creating uncertainty for residents, farmers, businesses, and administrations."
"We are talking about families who have been waiting for a solution for many years. This Government has had the courage to tackle a historic problem and provide a response that brings peace of mind, stability, and legal security to the residents of El Golfo," Betancort stated.
Public Facilities for Yaiza
The document also includes the modification of land classification in Yaiza to facilitate the development of essential facilities. It is expected to allocate land for the expansion of the health centre, improvements to sports facilities, and other necessary public services to cater to the population growth in the area.
The vice president of the Cabildo, María Jesús Tovar, noted that coordination between departments has been key to advancing "a fundamental document for the residents of the south of the island." Meanwhile, the councillor for Land Use, Jesús Machín, highlighted that the PORN "symbolises a change of direction after years of neglect and legal limbo."
Machín explained that the Cabildo recovered forgotten files and complied with all legal procedures. The processing began in June 2024 with the consideration of the draft, followed by public information and consultations with administrations. Five objections were received, all analysed and responded to, along with reports from state bodies such as the General Directorate of Coasts and the Ministry of Defence.
A Natural Park of 10,158 Hectares
The Natural Park of the Volcanoes covers more than 10,158 hectares spread across Tinajo, Yaiza, and Tías. It surrounds a large part of the Timanfaya National Park and borders La Geria and the Janubio Salt Flats. Additionally, it coincides with areas of the Natura 2000 Network, such as the Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) La Geria and the Special Conservation Area (ZEC) Los Volcanes.
For the residents of El Golfo, the recognition as an urban centre represents a radical change. Many residents, who inherited or purchased homes without being able to register them, will now be able to regularise their situation and access basic services. "It is an enormous relief, after so many years of waiting," commented a resident who preferred to remain anonymous.
In the coming months, the Cabildo will begin implementing the planned measures, including the preparation of land for the health centre and sports facilities. The PORN is expected to be fully operational before the end of the year, providing certainty to an area that has lived in legal limbo since the creation of the natural park.
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