Notice of Commencement - new Local Plan
(Published 19 March 2026)
Notice of Intention to Commence Preparation of the Isles of Scilly Local Plan (2026–2041)
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 issued in accordance with national plan‑making requirements and marks the start of the formal preparation process leading to Gateway 1.
The Council anticipates passing Gateway 1 no earlier than 20 August 2026, after which the statutory 30‑month plan‑making timetable will begin.
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.
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.
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.
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 page >>
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: 19/03/2026