La Laguna Moves to Protect 68 Historic Homes with New Preservation Plan

San Cristóbal de La Laguna is entering a crucial stage in its efforts to protect its architectural heritage. The City Council has officially approved a plan to add 68 traditional, one-story houses to the protected building list within the historic center’s Special Protection Plan. This project, which began in 2020, aims to preserve the unique character and history of the city, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This decision goes beyond simple paperwork. Following the announcement, the City Council has placed a temporary hold on all building permits for these 68 properties. This suspension will last for up to one year—or until the plan is finalized—to ensure no changes are made that could damage the buildings. During this time, only essential maintenance work to prevent decay is permitted.

The process is now open for public review. Over the next 45 business days, property owners, local groups, and government bodies, such as the Cabildo, can submit feedback or suggestions. Once this period ends, urban planning experts will review the input to finalize the document, which will then be approved by the Municipal Urban Planning Agency.

Local officials describe this as part of an ongoing effort to update the city's planning policies. By expanding the list of protected assets, the city hopes to prevent irreversible changes to its historic streets, ensuring that future development does not come at the expense of the city’s cultural identity.