The Council of the Isles of Scilly is inviting residents, businesses, community groups, landowners and other interested parties to help shape the future of the islands by taking part in a consultation on the new Local Plan.
The Local Plan will guide development on the Isles of Scilly to 2041 and will help shape future decisions on housing, the local economy, climate change, renewable energy, infrastructure, community facilities and the protection of the islands' unique natural and historic environment. It is the document by which future planning decisions will be determined.
Over recent months the Council has undertaken a programme of early engagement and evidence gathering. This has included work on housing needs, the local economy, renewable energy, landscape and seascape character, recreation pressure, and the special heritage significance of the islands.
This latest consultation asks for views on the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing the Isles of Scilly, including:
- Housing needs and population decline
- Supporting local businesses and employment
- Climate change and coastal resilience
- Renewable energy and energy security
- Infrastructure and community services
- Protection of the islands' landscape, seascape and historic environment
- Farming, fishing and sustainable tourism
- Environmental Protections
The feedback received will help inform the next stage of Local Plan preparation and ensure that local priorities are reflected in plans for the future of the islands.
The consultation is open until 4pm on Monday 9 November 2026.
How to take part
Before you complete our survey, please consider reading the background information and supporting evidence available on our consultation webpage.
Once you have read this information, please complete our ‘Planning for the Future of the Isles of Scilly to 2041’ survey.
A Note on the Planning Process
This consultation forms part of the Government's new Local Plan preparation process, known as the Gateway 1 (Regulation 20) stage.
Whilst the terminology may sound technical, the purpose of the consultation is straightforward: to understand what matters most to people and what issues the new Local Plan should focus on over the next 15 years.
Further information
If you have any questions about the development of the new Local Plan or the survey itself, please email planning@scilly.gov.uk
If you want to ensure you are kept up-to-date with Local Plan development activity, please add your contact details to our Local Plan Consultation Database by clicking on the link below:
Sign up to our Local Plan Consultation Database
If at any stage you wish to amend your sign-up preferences or contact details, or remove yourself from the database, please email planning@scilly.gov.uk