Playa Blanca Hotel gets Touristic Classification provisional approval

Declared illegal back in 2007 the hotel has received a lifeline from the Lanzarote Cabildo who have granted it Touristic Classification.

The Papagayo Arena hotel, familiar to many who visit Playa Blanca, was declared illegal back in 2007 for violating urban planning laws and blocking access to the beach whilst being built higher than restrictions allowed. Construction was carried out under irregular license issued by former Yaiza Mayor José Francioso Reyes during a period of corruption that was rife throughout the region at the time.

Despite the illegal declarations the hotel has continued to operate during a process of legislation. The reversal of the decision has been justified by the Lanzarote Cabildo who state they are responsible for compliance with Tourism Law, which the hotel has not breached.

To complicate matters further the Coastal Authorities also extended the protected area of the coastline from 20 to 100 metres.

The Canary Islands government and Yaiza Town Hall have both been reported to the public prosecutors office for their failure in upholding and restoring urban planning laws in the municipality.

The Hotel is operated by Papagayo Arena S.L.

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Image (c) Ian Sheldon and may not be reproduced without prior permission.

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