Arona Faces Significant Delays in Major Construction Permits

Recent findings from an internal audit by the Arona Town Council indicate that a staggering 448 major construction permits are currently awaiting processing.

This information was shared by Javier Baute, the councillor responsible for Urban Planning and Land Management, during a discussion about the urban planning challenges in this popular tourist destination in the Canary Islands. While Arona attracts many visitors and job seekers, it grapples with pressing issues such as housing shortages, transportation difficulties, and an overwhelmed technical office.

Baute emphasized the urgency of addressing the backlog, stating, “We are going to clear the backlog: 448 major work licences, seven years of delays.” His remarks were made at the forum titled ‘Challenges for the Future of Urban Planning in Southern Tenerife,’ which was organized by Prensa Ibérica. The event also featured insights from Francisco Villar, a Professor of Administrative Law at the University of La Laguna, and Damián Hernández, the head of the Urban Planning Discipline and Management Service of the Arona council.

Revisions to Urban Planning Framework

During the forum, Baute discussed the need for revisions to the General Planning Scheme (PGO). He described the current planning document as essentially obsolete, requiring significant updates to align with contemporary realities. He noted that once progress is made on the necessary land, the focus will shift to developing a new urban text.

Baute expressed concern over the existing housing crisis, stating, “We did not take over housing from scratch; we took over with a deficit of a thousand.” He highlighted the importance of unblocking the housing project in La Camella, which includes 35 completed homes. He conveyed optimism about the future, asserting that the young team in charge is determined to make a positive impact.

Challenges in Urban Development

The urban planning head, Hernández, pointed out that the municipality faces significant challenges due to outdated planning practices. He remarked that the current regulations are so antiquated that they resemble documents created “with a typewriter.” He stressed the necessity for urban planning to effectively manage six critical areas: housing, work, commerce, health, education, and leisure.

Hernández noted that the obsolescence of Arona’s urban planning is hindering its primary function of ensuring adequate housing. However, he also mentioned that there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in areas that have not seen management in the past four decades. He highlighted the unaffordability of housing, which is pushing residents away from both the city center and the outskirts.

Impact of Holiday Homes and Market Dynamics

Another pressing issue discussed was the rise of holiday homes, which has significantly disrupted the rental market. Hernández criticized the lack of proactive measures from the administration to address this distortion. He advocated for a more liberal approach to urban planning, suggesting that the administration should consider interventions, such as creating public housing or facilitating partnerships with private developers.

Hernández also addressed the problem of property occupation, which has emerged as a market issue. He expressed concern that the presence of occupied buildings negatively affects property values in surrounding areas, making them less desirable. He noted that what were once seen as liabilities are now becoming attractive to investment funds.

Work-Life Balance and Housing Solutions

Hernández further explained that ineffective intervention policies in tourist areas have not supported housing development, resulting in a significant disconnect between where people work and where they live. This situation exacerbates mobility issues for residents.

Professor Villar emphasized the long-standing nature of the housing crisis, advocating for legal solutions to encourage private investment in the sector. He acknowledged the efforts of the Government of the Canary Islands to address the housing challenges faced by both low and middle-income earners. Villar stressed the importance of adapting planning and urbanism to meet local needs, asserting that effective planning should focus on solving or preventing problems.

Key points

• 448 major work licences are currently pending processing in Arona.
• Javier Baute highlighted a backlog of seven years in processing these permits.
• The General Planning Scheme (PGO) is considered outdated and in need of revision.
• Housing affordability issues are pushing residents away from urban areas.
• The rise of holiday homes has distorted the local rental market.
• Intervention policies in tourist areas have not effectively supported housing development.
• There is a significant disconnect between work locations and residential areas, leading to mobility challenges.