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Planning Applications List - The current up to date list of planning applications
Planning applications closing dates - List of closing dates for applications for upcoming Planning & Development Committee Meetings.
Application Forms - List of all downloadable planning application forms
Discharging Conditions - Details on the requirements and procedures for discharging conditions
A Guide to the Fees for Planning Applications in England Opens in a new window
Building control - Information on Building Control requirements for works
Section 106 Planning Obligations - Information on planning obligations, specific local need and key worker status.
The Planning Department discharges the Council's statutory planning and related duties and plays a key role in managing competing pressures to allow a viable community to thrive on the Isles of Scilly. There is a balance to be struck between protecting our unique environment and allowing sufficient development to house local people and enable the economy to prosper and diversify. The purpose of planning after all is to control the development and use of land on behalf of the community.
The entire archipelago is only 1600ha and is home to a permanent population of just over 2000. It is designated as a Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Heritage Coast. There are 26 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive, a Ramsar site (international designation for bird life) and a non-statutory Marine Park.
There are over 120 listed buildings, with a higher than average proportion of Grade I and II*, and over 230 Scheduled Ancient Monuments; the highest density per hectare of any English authority. There is also a wealth of shipwrecks and other marine archaeology.
This outstanding environment is of international importance and brings in approximately 120,000 visitors a year sustaining the tourism industry that makes up 85% of the islands' economy. There is pressure for development, but policies restrict it to that which is essential although this still creates a lot of building activity for a small area.
The department reports to the Planning & Development Committee of the Council and is responsible for upholding the Isles of Scilly Local Plan, managing development control (planning applications), conservation and preserving the AONB, building control, land charge searches and economic development.
As well as being directly involved with the community, there is ongoing dialogue on the islands (Duchy of Cornwall Opens in a new window, Isles of Scilly Wild Life Trust Opens in a new window) with national agencies (English Heritage Opens in a new window, Natural England Opens in a new window) to ensure that all decisions are fully informed.
The planning department is located at: Old Wesleyan Chapel, Garrison Lane, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly,TR21 0JD.
Tel: 01720 424350
Fax: 01720 424317
Email: planning@scilly.gov.uk
You can explore the planning department pages using the menu on the left hand side of the page.
For the national planning context please visit the Planning Portal Opens in a new window. You can also contact the Planning Portal direct via email. The Planning Portal provides a guide detailing information on all aspects of the planning process. You can submit your planning application online from the Planning Portal website.
