Canary Islands land law proposal aims to reshape planning in Fuerteventura
A reform presented on 29 October would favour the renewal of existing urban areas, speed up planning and strengthen enforcement across the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands Government has proposed changes to land law in Fuerteventura and the rest of the islands. The reform would favour renewing existing urban areas over building on new land.
Territorial Policy Minister Manuel Miranda presented the proposal on 29 October 2026. He addressed the Canary Islands Parliament’s island councils committee. The reform would update Law 4/2017 on land and protected natural areas. The proposed changes are not yet in force.
For residents and property owners, key issues include how land would be made available for development. Other concerns include how authorities would handle planning and licence applications and deal with breaches.
Renewing existing urban areas
The proposal favours rebuilding and renewal in areas that are already built up. This includes schemes to provide protected housing.
When new land is set aside for development, an equal area would have to lose its development status. On land designated for development, the share of development rights that must be handed over would rise from 10% to 15%.
The government also proposes less demanding rules for existing urban land than for land awaiting development. The aim is to encourage work in established built-up areas.
On land protected for its natural value, uses and activities would still be allowed if they are compatible with the features being protected.
Faster procedures and stronger enforcement
The reform seeks to shorten the time allowed for reports, consultations and public information periods. It would also simplify paperwork and remove steps deemed needless. For projects of territorial significance, authorities would have half as much time to exchange reports.
The proposal also aims to make licence applications easier to handle. It would clarify when an application can be treated as rejected if the public authority has not replied. This would be in line with basic national law.
Authorities would have more time to act on planning breaches before the legal time limit expires. The proposal would also increase minimum penalties.
The government says the update responds to changes in climate and housing laws. It also addresses access to housing, challenges linked to population changes and urban renewal.
The proposal follows a consultation process held between November 2023 and 2025. This involved 17 forums and more than 700 professionals and experts. Miranda asked the island councils to support the proposal.