Unlawful settlements refer to residential or commercial areas inhabited by people without legal authorization or in violation of local laws and regulations. These settlements often arise in contexts where individuals or groups occupy land or property without formal ownership rights, typically due to a lack of official permits, zoning violations, or outright land theft. Unlawful settlements can occur in various forms, such as squatter settlements or informal urban areas, and are frequently associated with broader issues of housing insecurity, poverty, and social inequality. They may exist in urban, suburban, or rural settings and can lead to conflicts over land use, environmental concerns, and the rights of residents versus property owners or governmental authorities. The term is often used in discussions regarding land disputes, eviction policies, and the need for legal frameworks to manage housing and urban development.
The Telde City Council has installed concrete barriers on Calle Pío Baroja, ending unauthorized access to the Hoya del Pozo settlement. Bold signs strictly prohibit access, vehicle passage, and camping,…