Tenerife’s Urban Planning Commission Takes Steps to Protect Historic Hermitage

The Environmental Evaluation Commission of Tenerife has officially approved a significant modification to La Laguna’s urban planning framework, focusing on the preservation of the San Juan Bautista Hermitage, a cherished historical site located in the coastal area of Bajamar. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to safeguard the region’s cultural heritage.

Initiative to Preserve Cultural Significance

La Laguna’s council initiated this preservation project in 2024, driven by the desire to protect the San Juan Bautista Hermitage, which holds immense cultural and historical significance. Previously, the hermitage was not included in the municipal Protection Catalogue, a situation that prompted local authorities to take action. The primary goals of this initiative are to formally include the hermitage in the Protection Catalogue, pursue its designation as a Cultural Heritage Asset, and kickstart restoration efforts aimed at revitalizing the site.

The Urban Planning Management team meticulously developed a proposal that evaluated various options for the hermitage’s protection. Ultimately, they decided to integrate both the hermitage itself and the adjacent niche wall into the Protection Catalogue at a comprehensive level. This classification is crucial, as it mandates the preservation of not only the main structure but also secondary features that contribute to the site’s historical integrity. These features include the cobbled pavement, the surrounding beach pebbles, and the distinctive dry stone walls that define the property, all of which are integral to the hermitage’s character.

Revisions to Urban Planning Framework

The approved plan also entails significant adjustments to the local planning framework. Specifically, it modifies the designated area known as BM2, reallocating parts of the planned roadways to create open space. This strategic move will expand the protective zone around the hermitage, ensuring that the site is not only preserved but also enhanced by its surrounding environment.

Engagement with Various Authorities

Throughout the planning process, the La Laguna council actively sought feedback from various governmental bodies to ensure a comprehensive approach to the project. Initially, the Defence Ministry raised concerns regarding potential conflicts with military interests. However, after thorough discussions and assessments, the ministry ultimately provided a favorable evaluation, confirming that the project would not interfere with military operations in the area.

In addition, the Directorate General of Public Health reviewed the proposed modifications and indicated that they would not introduce any new risks to the local population. This collaborative approach highlights the commitment of local authorities to engage with stakeholders and address any concerns that may arise during the planning process.

The Cultural Heritage Department of the Tenerife Cabildo emphasized the importance of comprehensive protection for the hermitage, advocating for the safeguarding of all related elements that contribute to its historical significance. The environmental analysis conducted by the Environmental Evaluation Commission concluded that the area of impact is limited and situated within an already developed urban environment. The presence of protected plant species in the vicinity is minimal, primarily consisting of ornamental varieties that can be relocated without significant disruption. Importantly, no substantial natural or human-induced risks affecting the proposed planning were identified, and the overall impact is viewed positively, enhancing the heritage value of the site while improving the quality of public spaces.

The environmental report outlines clear preventive measures that will be implemented during construction, including dust and noise control, as well as a monitoring plan to ensure adherence to conservation goals. With this robust support in place, the La Laguna council is now well-positioned to advance the administrative processing of the urban planning modification. This step is crucial for the official inclusion of the San Juan Bautista Hermitage in the municipality’s Protection Catalogue, paving the way for future restoration and preservation efforts.

Key points

• The Environmental Evaluation Commission of Tenerife approved modifications to La Laguna’s urban plan for the San Juan Bautista Hermitage.
• The project aims to include the hermitage in the municipal Protection Catalogue and seek its designation as a Cultural Heritage Asset.
• The Urban Planning Management proposed the inclusion of the hermitage and nearby niche wall at an integral level for protection.
• Modifications to the BM2 area will create open space around the hermitage.
• Feedback from various authorities confirmed no significant risks to military or public health interests.
• The environmental analysis indicated minimal impact and potential positive effects on public space quality.
• Preventive measures will be implemented during construction to ensure compliance with conservation objectives.