Local Plan (2026-2041)

Local Plan 2026–2041

The Council of the Isles of Scilly is preparing a new Local Plan covering the period 2026-2041. The Local Plan will guide future decisions on housing, the economy, infrastructure, climate resilience, the environment and the protection of the islands' unique landscape and heritage.

The Council formally commenced preparation of the new Local Plan through publication of the Notice to Commence on 22 April 2026. Gateway 1 was completed on 21 September 2026, marking the start of the formal 30-month plan-making process.

This page provides access to the latest timetable, evidence studies, Gateway assessments, consultation material and project updates.

Latest Local Plan News:

Date	News Udate
21/09/2026	Publication of Gateway 1 Self-Assessment Readiness Checker this officially starts the 30 month local plan preparation window.
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

• Autumn 2026 – Completion of key evidence studies
• Winter/Spring 2027 – Vision and Strategy consultation
• Autumn 2027 – Gateway 2 Draft Plan Review
• 2028 – Publication and Examination
• Spring 2029 – Adoption of the Local Plan

Stay Involved | Local Plan Consultation Database 

Join our consultation database to receive updates on consultations, engagement events, surveys and opportunities to help shape the future of the Isles of Scilly.

Residents, businesses, community groups, landowners and other interested parties are encouraged to register their interest using the form below.

Local Plan data (Planning Data)

The Council publishes 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. 

Project Initiation Document (PID)

The Project Initiation Document (PID), approved by Full Council in February 2026, establishes the governance programme, consultation strategy, evidence requirements, resourcing and risk management arrangements for preparation of the Local Plan.

View the latest version of the PID 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 Page Updates:

• 25/09/2026 – Added consultation database registration form
• 23/09/2026 – Gateway 1 Readiness Self-Assessment published
• 09/07/2026 – Integrated Impact Assessment Scoping Consultation launched
• 22/04/2026 – Notice to Commence published