The Council of Government of the Canary Islands has sanctioned the implementation of article 169 of the land law on Monday, opting to halt planning in the vicinity of the Refinery located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This step is necessary prior to initiating a citizen engagement process, aiming to facilitate the rollout of the ‘Santa Cruz Verde 2030’ initiative.
This announcement was made during a press briefing by the Executive’s spokesperson, Alfonso Cabello, who revealed that the procedure is set to commence in January and will last for a minimum of two years, encompassing four stages: information gathering; establishment of participatory tables and workshops; feedback on amendments; and evaluations of proposal feasibility.
He emphasised that this project represents a “blank canvas” and a “chance” to generate employment and foster new economic activity centres across approximately 570,000 square meters, with 67% designated for public use, in accordance with the protocol established in 2018 between Cepsa and the Canarian authorities.
Cabello noted that this marks the second occasion that planning of this nature has been suspended within the archipelago – the initial instance occurring in Teror during the previous legislative term – and asserted that the ‘Santa Cruz Verde 2030’ plan is one of the most significant undertakings in Spain and Europe.
He indicated that this initiative aligns with the Spanish Urban Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Canarian Agenda 2030, offering a “singular opportunity” for public institutions and the two universities, through an “environmental, economic, and social lens.”
Additionally, he mentioned that the suspension of planning, which had already been enacted by both the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council and the Cabildo, will enable the “blocking” of all documents pertinent to the refinery, which is now classified as industrial land. This will facilitate a more streamlined design process, as an ordinary approach could extend up to three and a half years.
The spokesperson reiterated that ‘Santa Cruz Verde 2030’ is “the most extensive urban planning project undertaken in the Canary Islands.” To manage its development, he stated that an office will be established to coordinate efforts among various ministries.
“It represents a convoluted plan,” he highlighted, stressing that the public component involves a “meticulous detailing” of roadways, public amenities, potential residential developments, and whether soil decontamination procedures need to be implemented.
As outlined in the technical report from the General Directorate of Territorial Planning and Territorial Cohesion, there is an anticipation for the placement of strategic infrastructures of island significance, particularly those associated with transport and mobility.
