The Council of the Isles of Scilly has published its Gateway 1 Readiness Self-Assessment as part of the preparation of the new Isles of Scilly Local Plan 2026-2041. You can read this self-assessment and supporting documents on the planning pages of our website.
Why the Local Plan is important
The new Local Plan will help shape how the islands develop over the coming years, including planning for housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, the economy, transport, the environment and the historic character of the islands.
What ‘Gateway 1’ means
Gateway 1 is the first stage in the Government's new plan-making system. It focuses on whether the foundations for plan preparation are in place, including governance arrangements, community engagement, evidence gathering and environmental assessment.
The published assessment demonstrates that the Council has:
- established governance and project management arrangements for the Local Plan Review;
- published a Local Plan Timetable and Notice of Commencement;
- undertaken early engagement with communities and stakeholders;
- commissioned and progressed key evidence studies; and
- commenced the Integrated Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment process.
The assessment also identifies areas of work that will continue to develop as the Local Plan progresses, including preparation of the plan vision, monitoring framework and testing of strategic options.
Next steps
The Council is now progressing the next stage of work, which will focus on developing an emerging vision and strategy for the islands, supported by ongoing evidence gathering and community engagement.
Residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders are encouraged to follow progress and participate in future consultation activities as the Local Plan Review continues.
Sign up to stay informed
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