Notice of Commencement - new Local Plan
Original Published Date: 19 March 2026
Re-Published Date: 22 April 2026
The Council of the Isles of Scilly hereby gives notice of its intention to commence preparation of the Isles of Scilly Local Plan (2026–2041).
This Notice is published in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026, which came into force on 25 March 2026, and marks the start of the formal Local Plan preparation process under the Government’s new plan‑making system.
Republication statement
This Notice was originally published on 19 March 2026 to provide early transparency and awareness of the Council’s intention to prepare a new Local Plan.
It is re‑published on 22 April 2026 to formally comply with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026. The substance and intent of the Notice remain unchanged.
The Local Plan will set out the strategy, policies and land allocations necessary to guide sustainable development across the Isles of Scilly. A Local Plan Timetable has been published and is available at: Here
A scoping consultation will take place prior to Gateway 1 and further opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement will be provided throughout the plan‑making process.
For further information, please contact: planning@scilly.gov.uk.
This re‑publication does not affect the Local Plan timetable or any preparatory work undertaken to date.
Current Position
The Council of the Isles of Scilly is preparing a new Local Plan under the Government’s new system of plan‑making, which requires local plans to be prepared and adopted within a 30‑month period. In line with national guidance, the Council has begun the preparatory work needed to commence the formal plan‑making process. This has included early evidence gathering across key topic areas, initial engagement planning, and the preparation of a draft Local Plan Timetable.
The Council is now publishing its Notice of Intention to Commence Plan‑Making, which marks the start of the preliminary Scoping and Early Participation stage. This stage will introduce the new Local Plan process to the community and stakeholders, raise awareness of the review, and invite early views to help shape the emerging vision and strategic options for the islands.
Following completion of the Scoping and Early Participation stage, the Council will prepare and publish its Gateway 1 self‑assessment before entering the formal 30‑month preparation period. Throughout 2026, work will continue on developing the emerging spatial vision, strategy options and evidence base, with the intention of preparing a draft Local Plan for public consultation later in 2026.
About the new Local Plan
The Isles of Scilly Local Plan (2026–2041) will set out the strategy, policies and land allocations needed to guide sustainable development across the islands up to 2041. The plan will address key issues including housing, the local economy, infrastructure, climate resilience, environmental protection and the conservation of the islands’ unique landscape and heritage.
The Local Plan is being prepared under the Government’s new 30‑month plan‑making system, which introduces Gateway stages and an updated timetable for plan preparation.
Local Plan Initiation Document
Further detail on all these matters can be found in the Local Plan Project Initiation Document which was first published 27 February 2026.
Local Plan Timetable
A Local Plan Timetable has been published and is available here: Local Plan Timetable
The Council anticipates submitting its Gateway 1 Self‑Assessment no earlier than August 2026, following completion of early scoping and preparatory work.
Stage 1: Scoping and Early Participation Stage | We aim to carry out stage one Public Consultation later in 2028
Please take a look at our Local Plan Timetable
Evidence to support the new Local Plan | Ongoing evidence gathering will inform the Local Plan. Final documents will be published on our Evidence Base pages.
Please take a look at our Evidence Base page
Engagement doesn't end here!
We want to keep you informed, so please do check this page regularly. If you would like more information or feel that you would like to be involved in the development of the Local Plan, please contact us: planning@scilly.gov.uk and join our consultation database (mailing list)
Want to know more about how we consult and engage on planning matters
- Have a look at our Statement of Community Involvement
Page Updated: 22/04/2026