The demolition of two houses in the unlawful urbanisation of Black Lomo, adjacent to the Aonero Core of El Fraile and scheduled for yesterday, has been temporarily halted for “security reasons.” Following a day of heightened tension for the affected individuals and a neighbourhood protest, this was the final decision made by the Canarian Agency for the Protection of the Natural Environment.
The agency confirmed to this publication yesterday that the operation “could not be ensured without risks to the security forces, thus it was decided to suspend the action.” This measure was taken to enforce an administrative order aimed at reinstating urban legality concerning housing developments on rural land.
Montserrat Ortega, the executive director of this agency, elaborated on the ongoing procedure in the area: “In such cases, the individual is requested to voluntarily restore their land to its original condition. If they fail to do so within a duly specified timeframe, the administration steps in. In this instance, we possessed all the necessary approvals, and residents were informed accordingly.”
However, Ortega noted that, due to the anticipated protests, the Canary Police alerted to the potential risk of disruptions: “The security forces indicated to us that it could not be guaranteed that the operation could be performed safely, both for officials and citizens.” Although the director was aware that the demonstration was peaceful, she deemed the decision to refrain from intervening as “prudent and responsible.”
“We haven’t slept at all”
Yesterday, the agency notified the Court of the suspension of the procedure, which must soon determine how to proceed with this case. The essential documentation and reports are currently being prepared.
The atmosphere in Black Lomo yesterday was rife with tension and uncertainty. From early morning, residents gathered on the main street of the unlawful urbanisation, awaiting the arrival of machinery, following days filled with anxiety over the impending demolition. Claudia Herrera, one of those affected, received her notification on the 9th of last month. Since then, she recounts living in a perpetual state of anxiety.
“We haven’t slept at all these past weeks. Yesterday, for instance, we were awake since 4 in the morning. Ultimately, no one arrived. We learnt through external communications that the process had been halted, but officially we received no notice.”
Herrera, who lives with her partner and young daughter, criticises the lack of coordination among institutions: “We recently met with the mayor, who informed us that this was not a municipal responsibility. The ball has been passed between the administrations.”
Registered and paying waste fees
The urbanisation of Black Lomo, situated next to the Aonero Core of El Fraile, began to develop over a decade ago. Approximately 700 individuals currently reside there. The establishment of the settlement began with the illegal sale of small plots by various promoters, on land designated as rustic, where residential use is prohibited. Approximately 300 homes were constructed on these plots without legal permits.
Despite the state of urban illegality, a paradox exists in Black Lomo: around 200 residents have managed to officially register, even paying waste collection fees and other municipal taxes.
In October 2024, as reported by Diario de Notices, at least twenty homes received demolition orders. The rulings set deadlines ranging from one to two months for the restoration of the plots to their original condition. Several residents have challenged these orders through administrative litigation, but to no avail. Given this predicament, residents have persistently requested a moratorium or the reactivation of the General Planning Plan (PGO), which has been stalled for years. The president of the Neighbourhood Association, María del Rosario Estepliet, has repeatedly emphasised that the thousand people living in Black Lomo “invested all their resources” and “would end up on the streets.”
For the time being, the intervention is postponed, marking yet another chapter in a long and intricate urban saga that remains unresolved in Arona.
