Local Plan (2026-2041)

Local Plan 2026–2041

In 2025 the Council of the Isles of Scilly began early stage work on a new Local Plan to replace the current Isles of Scilly Local Plan (2015–2030). National planning legislation now requires Local Plans to be reviewed regularly and prepared through a new 30‑month process. The Council officially published its Notice to Commence on 22nd April 2026. 

Latest Local Plan News:

Date	News Udate
09/07/2026	Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) Scoping Report consultation launched. The Council has published the IIA Scoping Report and commenced a 5-week consultation with the statutory consultation bodies: Natural England, Historic England and the Environment Agency. Consultation closes on 14 August 2026.
08/07/2026	Local Plan Evidence Base updated to include the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) Scoping Report and Appendix A and Appendix B
22/04/2026	Local Plan Notice to Commence published.
16/03/2026	Housing and Economic Needs Assessment Final Report Published
27/03/2026	Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan Final Report Published
27/02/2026	Full Council Approve the Publication of the Local Plan Project Initiation Document (see below)

Forthcoming Milestones

• 12/08/2026 – IIA Scoping Consultation closes.
• Autumn 2026 – Draft Local Plan evidence gathering completed.
• Spring 2027 – Regulation 19 consultation.
• Autumn 2027 – Examination.
• Spring 2028 – Adoption.

Local Plan data (Planning Data)

The new plan will set out how the islands can meet their future needs up to 2041, including housing, the economy, the environment, climate resilience, infrastructure and the protection of our unique landscape and heritage. It will be supported by updated technical evidence and shaped by engagement with our communities, stakeholders and partners. The Council has published its Local Plan data in accordance with the Planning Data (England) Regulations 2026:

1. Local Plan Timetable data: download the csv file here.
2. Local Plan data: download the  csv file here. 

In February 2026 a Project Initiation Document (PID) was approved by Full Council. This sets the overall programme, evidence requirements, governance and resourcing needed to prepare the plan. Work will take place during 2025–2028, with the timetable aligned to national regulations and Planning Inspectorate gateway stages. You can view the latest version of this live document in the link below:

Preparing a new Local Plan is a statutory requirement and an important opportunity to plan positively for the long‑term future of the islands. Further information, documents and consultation opportunities will be published here as the work progresses.

Latest Update: 08/07/2026 - included NEWS Table