Lomo Negro, the unlawful settlement situated on the outskirts of El Fraile in the municipality of Arona, has recently witnessed numerous eviction notices issued for its residences. This enclave, home to nearly 700 individuals including families with children and dependents, began establishing itself over a decade ago.
Currently, at least 24 of these households have been informed by the Canarian Natural Environment Protection Agency regarding the impending demolition of their homes, which were constructed on rural land. This land category is protected and prohibits any building activity. The rulings prescribe timeframes ranging from one month to a maximum of two for restoring the plots to their original condition.
The expansion of Lomo Negro commenced roughly 10 years ago, when proprietors of agricultural land began to irregularly sell small parcels. The families who purchased these parcels constructed what is now a community comprising around 300 homes. María del Rosario Estapliet, president of the neighbourhood association, emphasised that many residents “invested all their savings,” even resorting to bank loans to erect their homes. The neighbourhood group is in the process of conducting a census to officially tally the residents. It is important to note that 200 residents have successfully registered with Arona.
ORIGINAL CONDITION OF THE PLOTS
The legality of these constructions has been in question from the outset, resulting in an increasing number of demolition orders. Between June and September, residents have received various judicial and administrative notifications. According to documents accessed by this publication, at least 20 homes already face demolition orders, and in some instances, homeowners have been given merely 10 days to comply, under the warning that failure to do so will result in “the Administration taking decisive action.” The Canary Islands Agency for the Protection of the Natural Environment insists that the plots “must be reverted to their original condition.” Several individuals have appealed to the contentious jurisdiction, which issued a ruling in July 2023, dismissing these appeals.
The solicitor representing one of the affected families notes that the lands, classified under rural agricultural protection, are bound by stringent regulations preventing residential construction. Nevertheless, the lack of intervention from Arona City Council over the years facilitated the growth of Lomo Negro, leading to this “critical situation,” the solicitor alleges.
Proposed solutions
In light of the eviction pressures, the inhabitants of Lomo Negro are striving to engage in negotiations with local authorities to develop a solution that would enable them to regularise their status. On multiple occasions, they have submitted proposals to both the city council and the Cabildo, seeking either the legalisation of the land or, at the very least, a moratorium until the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU), which has been stagnant for years, can be revived. According to Estapliet, “the most advantageous solution would be a moratorium during the approval of the partial plan.”
In August, 300 residents took part in a demonstration at the Los Cristianos Cultural Centre to voice their demands. Following this, the association held a meeting with Arona’s mayor, Fátima Lemes, at which the “path of dialogue” between the city council and the affected residents was particularly emphasised.
