The Council of the Isles of Scilly has formally begun work on reviewing its Local Plan, the document that will guide how the islands develop over the period 2026 to 2041. The Local Plan plays a vital role in shaping future development on the Isles of Scilly and in ensuring that decisions balance the needs of local communities with the protection of the islands’ unique landscape, heritage and environment.
Under government’s new 30‑month plan‑making system, which came into effect on 24 March 2026, all local planning authorities are required to publish a formal notice ahead of beginning work on their new Local Plan. This notice sets out the Council’s intention to prepare the Local Plan and explains when key stages of the process will take place.
A ‘Notice of Intent’ to review the Local Plan was published on 18 March 2026, marking the start of a wide‑ranging process to update planning policies for housing, infrastructure, the economy, the natural environment and climate change adaptation across the islands.
The new Local Plan will guide development and investment across the islands over the next 15 years, covering matters such as housing, infrastructure, the environment, heritage, and the long‑term spatial strategy for the Isles of Scilly.
Alongside the Notice, the Council has also published its Local Plan Timetable, which shows when residents, businesses, and stakeholders will be invited to take part in the plan‑making process so they can help shape the vision and strategic options for the future of the islands.
Councillor Dan Marcus, Lead Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “Publishing this Notice is an important early milestone. It begins a structured, transparent process for developing the new Local Plan, with clear opportunities for our community to get involved. We encourage residents and partners to follow the updates and take part in the upcoming engagement activities later this year.”
Early engagement now open – help shape the key themes
As part of the early stages of the review, the Council is currently inviting residents, businesses, organisations and stakeholders to help identify the key themes and issues that the new Local Plan should focus on.
This initial engagement takes the form of a survey which is open until 17 April 2026 and is intended to help inform the Council’s early thinking as it begins work on a draft vision and strategy for the plan.
Feedback at this stage can cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Housing needs and affordability
- Supporting local services and infrastructure
- Climate change, flooding and coastal change
- Protecting the natural environment and heritage
- Supporting a thriving local economy
Sign up to stay informed
We encourage anyone with an interest in the future of the Isles of Scilly to sign up to the Council’s Local Plan consultation database. By registering, participants will receive updates about consultation stages, engagement opportunities and key milestones as the Local Plan review progresses.
This ensures communities are kept informed and have opportunities to comment at each formal stage of plan preparation.
Clear timetable and further consultation later in 2026
The Council has published a Local Plan timetable setting out the key stages of the review process. The timetable confirms that the current stage focuses on early engagement and evidence‑gathering, with wider and more detailed public consultation planned later in 2026, once draft visioning and strategic policy options have been developed.
These later stages will provide further opportunities for the community to help shape the direction of the Local Plan before a draft plan is published for consultation.
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