Lanzarote Cabildo issues 115 fines for illegal building and environmental violations
The Lanzarote Cabildo have processed 115 cases of “urban planning and environmental infringements”, most of them linked to unauthorised construction, the installation of permanent structures without approval, and other breaches of the Canary Islands’ Land and Protected Natural Spaces legislation.
According to the island’s Department of Environment, Haría registered the highest number of complaints, with 31 cases, followed by Teguise (27), Tinajo (18), Yaiza (14), and Tías (11).
Arrecife (8) and San Bartolomé (6) recorded the lowest figures, partly due to their smaller areas of rural land and protected natural spaces.
Cabildo president Oswaldo Betancort stressed that the data highlights the need to respect planning and environmental laws on an island with limited and fragile territory. He noted that every illegal construction on rural or protected land has a direct impact on the landscape, natural resources, and the model of the island that residents aim to preserve.
Environment councillor Samuel Martín added that most processed cases stem from buildings constructed without municipal licences, the occupation of land not designated for development, or the breach of existing authorisations. He explained that Environmental Agents carry out continuous surveillance and inspections in coordination with other authorities.
Over the last four years, approximately 670 similar cases have been handled across Lanzarote, reflecting what Martín described as a persistent issue that requires ongoing oversight as well as greater public awareness.
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