La Laguna Balances Housing, Heritage Amid Conversion Boom

A new law, Decree-Law 1/2024, came into effect on February 19. It aims to solve urgent housing issues in the Canary Islands by making it easier to turn commercial spaces or offices into homes. Since then, La Laguna City Council has received 88 applications to change the use of buildings across the municipality. Six of these applications were for properties in the historic center, according to the Urban Planning Department.

Adolfo Cordobés, the Councillor for Spatial Planning and Housing, said this number shows "a very significant increase in applications to turn commercial spaces into homes."

He explained that outside the historic center, over the past two years, city services have handled 82 such cases. Twelve of these were for full licenses, while 70 were "prior communications." The decree introduced prior communications as a quicker and less strict way to get approval.

Looking closer at the 12 license applications: three have been approved, two were pulled by the applicants, one expired, and six are still being reviewed.

For the 70 prior communications: 22 have been approved, one was deemed invalid, and 47 are still pending.

Cordobés emphasized that "this high number shows the new rule had an immediate effect in the municipality and created high hopes among property owners and developers."

However, he warned that "this fast growth also means we must act responsibly." He argued that "turning many commercial spaces into homes isn't a simple process. It impacts local businesses, how lively neighborhoods are, and the availability of spaces for new companies. Sometimes, it can also result in homes that barely meet minimum standards and don't truly serve people's needs. Our job is to find a balance between the urgent need for housing and maintaining urban quality and public interest."

He noted that the situation is "even more sensitive" in the historic center. This is a protected area with a special plan that sets strict rules to keep its unique character, appearance, and traditional businesses. Cordobés explained that "simply applying an emergency decree, which was designed for very different urban areas, would have risked upsetting the balance of the historic center and its World Heritage status."

Because of this, the council decided not to apply certain parts of the new law in the historic center. This decision was approved by the full council. He stated it was "a completely legal, fair, and well-justified step to protect a unique area."

He stressed that this decision "doesn't stop changes of use in the historic center. Instead, it ensures they are processed under the stricter rules of the Special Protection Plan, which are more suitable for a heritage site."

In fact, the Historic Center Management Service has handled six applications for change-of-use licenses. Three of these have been approved (two before the council's decision), and the other three are still being processed.

Adolfo Cordobés said, "This means we continue to make housing possible where it fits, but without sacrificing heritage protection or the commercial life that makes the historic center vibrant."

The councillor stressed, "Our commitment is clear: we support creating housing, but not if it means stripping neighborhoods of businesses, endangering the historic center's identity, or allowing homes that don't meet the standards people deserve."

He concluded by stating that La Laguna "is acting carefully, with balance, and with a vision for the city. We are addressing the housing crisis, but without risking the city's future or sacrificing quality and community spirit." He added, "We will keep pushing for housing solutions that are structural, well-planned, and sustainable, rather than temporary measures that could cause problems in the long run."