La Laguna Consults Public on Private-Public Urban Spaces Rule
La Laguna's Urban Planning Department has launched a public consultation on a new rule to manage privately owned urban spaces, such as arcades and walkways, that are publicly used, aiming to clarify responsibilities for their upkeep and accessibility.
La Laguna's Urban Planning Department has started asking the public for their thoughts on a new local rule. This rule aims to manage private areas that people use publicly, like arcades, walkways, and pedestrian paths. It will also clarify the legal situation for these common urban spaces. A prime example in the city centre is the wide stretch of arcades along La Trinidad Avenue, used daily by many pedestrians. However, similar situations exist in other key parts of the city.
The department explains that, like many historic cities, La Laguna has many residential areas that are privately owned but have traditionally been used as public walkways or neighbourhood gathering spots. This long-standing practice, acknowledged by urban planners and local custom, creates uncertainty about who is responsible for their upkeep, cleaning, accessibility, and preservation – both for the property owners and the local council.
Up until now, if the City Council needed to do anything in these areas, they had to make individual agreements with the property owners.
Adolfo Cordobés, the Councilor for Spatial Planning and Managing Director of the Urban Planning Department, stated, "This new rule will help the City Council act more clearly and effectively in these spaces. Even though they are private, they are a big part of daily life for our residents. We want to make sure these places stay accessible, safe, and well-maintained, without causing disputes or legal confusion."
Once approved, this rule will enable the City Council to get involved more quickly and openly in areas crucial for people walking, universal access, and protecting historical sites. It will also help resolve disagreements between homeowner associations and the council by setting out clear rights and responsibilities for everyone.
The Urban Planning Department also believes the new regulation will improve La Laguna's appearance. By managing these spaces, they can enhance lighting, signage, cleaning, accessibility, and safety, which will benefit both locals and tourists.
Officials noted that this upcoming rule is the first of its kind in the Canary Islands. It aims to find, identify, and categorize all these private-but-public spaces. It will also define the duties of both property owners and the council, and set up ways to ensure these areas are managed properly, strengthening legal clarity and community harmony.
The rule also considers creating new public rights-of-way over private land when it's for the public good. This could include expanding open spaces, improving access, or installing public benches and other street furniture.
The public consultation is open until November 21 and can be accessed via this link. It invites residents, homeowner associations, local groups, and other organizations to share their views on the goals, challenges, and proposed solutions of this new regulation.
Contributions can also be sent to the dedicated email address: consulta_publica_ordenanzas@urbanismolalaguna.es.
Adolfo Cordobés urged, "We encourage all residents, communities, and local groups to take part in this consultation. Your input is vital for creating a fair rule that meets the true needs of our municipality and improves community life in our neighbourhoods."