Jerry-built house illegally built on rural land.

We discovered this odd little "house" whilst investigating illegal tipping in the area - something to which Tenerife's goverment turns a blind eye. Like in so many other cases, the building was probably entered in the property register as a shed for farming implements. This strategem is a common one in Tenerife for those bent on illegally building on rural land.

View from below the house. Note that the owner has planted shrubs and trees in an attempt to hide the building. The chimney adds a particularly pastoral touch, recalling the same exquisite taste found at UNELCO's thermal power stations.

Path to the house and estate. The owner has artfully laid the path to one side of the house to keep the building hidden from view.

The site is ringed by a thick screen of vegetation. We found a small gap and snapped this picture of the building.

View from the adjoining plot. The denizen of the illegal dwelling came out to shout at us, telling us to be careful of the plants - a pity he didn't think about that when he erected his shack.

The main entrance. There is no letter box or address. The rampant vegetation is intended to give the impression that the place has been abandoned but nothing could be further from the truth.

Aerial photo. The arrow indicates the house.

Map of the area. Note the UNELCO power line nearby (crossing from upper left to lower right). The green line at the bottom marks the boundary of Las Lagunetas Nature Area. The house is just outside the boundary. The name of the estate, according to the map, is "Huerta del Bicho". When we asked at a local Government Farm Agency Office, we were told the area was given over to growing potatoes.

We have written to the Tenerife government, asking whether the house has received a building license.

Urban Development