Isles of Scilly Local Plan 2026 to 2041: What It Means for Islanders and How to Have Your Say
The Isles of Scilly Local Plan 2026 to 2041 will shape housing, nature and island life. Here is what it covers, the full timetable and how islanders and second home owners can have their say.
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The Council of the Isles of Scilly is writing a new Local Plan. It will shape where homes go, what gets built and what stays protected on all five islands until 2041. Work is now officially under way, and there will be several chances for islanders to have their say before anything is final.
This guide explains what the Local Plan is, why it matters for housing and island life, and where the process stands in October 2026. It also sets out the timetable in plain English and shows you exactly how to get involved, whether you live here all year or own a second home.
Key Takeaways
- The new Local Plan 2026 to 2041 will guide housing, the economy, infrastructure, climate resilience and the protection of Scilly's landscape and heritage.
- The formal 30 month process started on 21 September 2026, with adoption expected between October 2028 and March 2029.
- The next public chance to comment is the Vision and Strategy consultation, now planned for winter or spring 2027.
- Housing is the big issue, after the council recognised a housing emergency on the islands in January 2022.
- Anyone can join the council's Local Plan consultation database, including second home owners, businesses and landowners.
What is the Local Plan?
A Local Plan is the main rulebook for planning decisions. Every application on Scilly, from a new house to a shop extension, is judged against it. According to the Council of the Isles of Scilly, the new plan will guide housing, the economy, infrastructure, climate resilience, the environment and the islands' landscape and heritage.
It will replace the current Isles of Scilly Local Plan 2015 to 2030, which councillors adopted on 25 March 2021. That plan reached its five year review point in March 2026, so the council began gathering fresh evidence to decide what needs to change for the years ahead.
In short, this is the document that decides what Scilly looks like in 15 years.
Why the Local Plan matters for island life
Earlier this year the council asked residents which themes the new plan should focus on. Its early survey closed on 17 April 2026 and invited views on five broad areas:
- Housing needs and affordability
- Local services and infrastructure
- Climate change, flooding and coastal change
- The natural environment and heritage
- A thriving local economy
RecommendedIsland lifeIsles of Scilly Dark Skies: Where and When to Stargaze11 min read · All islandsRead the story →Housing
Housing is the issue most islanders raise first. Full Council recognised a housing emergency on the islands at its meeting on 18 January 2022, as the council noted in its tender for new housing research. Young families, key workers and seasonal staff all struggle to find somewhere affordable to live.
To build a clearer picture, the council asked Pragmatix Advisory to carry out a Housing and Economic Needs Assessment. Every household was invited to take part, and businesses could share their premises and staff housing needs too. The final report was published in March 2026 and will feed into the new plan's housing policies.
There are signs of progress already. The Duke of Cornwall's visit in May 2026 included 10 new sustainable homes for people who live or work on Scilly.
Climate, flooding and coastal change
Low lying land, winter storms and rising seas make this a bigger issue on Scilly than almost anywhere in England. The evidence for the new plan includes work on flood risk and coastal change. Storm Goretti showed the stakes in January 2026, when a red wind alert was followed by road closures and days of recovery.
Heritage, nature and the economy
In March 2026 the council approved a new Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, which helps protect the character of the islands' historic places. Natural England, Historic England and the Environment Agency were also consulted this summer on how the plan's wider impacts should be tested.
Where things stand in October 2026
Under the government's new plan making system, which came into effect on 24 March 2026, councils have 30 months to take a Local Plan from start to adoption. Scilly's formal clock started on 21 September 2026. Here are the key steps so far:
- 27 February 2026: Full Council approves the project plan
- March 2026: Housing and Economic Needs Assessment published
- 18 March 2026: Notice of intent published, then republished on 22 April under the new national rules
- 9 July to 14 August 2026: Impact assessment scoping consultation with Natural England, Historic England and the Environment Agency
- 21 September 2026: Gateway 1 completed, starting the 30 month window
RecommendedSightseeingPlaces to visit on the Isles of Scilly8 min read · All islandsRead the guide →The council is now in the scoping stage and finishing key evidence studies this autumn. Nothing has been drafted yet, which makes now a good moment to get involved.
The Local Plan timetable
This is the official timetable in plain English, with the council's latest consultation dates.
| Stage | When | Can you take part? |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping and evidence | October 2026 to March 2027 | Yes, through the Vision and Strategy consultation (winter or spring 2027) |
| Draft plan preparation | April to October 2027 | The council writes the draft |
| Gateway 2: government review | October 2027 | No |
| Publication and formal consultation | October 2027 to March 2028 | Yes, for at least eight weeks in spring 2028 |
| Gateway 3: submission | March 2028 | No |
| Independent examination | April to September 2028 | Yes, hearings are public |
| Adoption | October 2028 to March 2029 | The final plan is published for everyone to see |
One thing to watch. The timetable page still lists the vision consultation for summer 2026, but the council's newer update moves it to winter or spring 2027. Dates can shift, and the council says it will publish a revised timetable whenever they do. Joining the consultation database is the easiest way to keep track.
How to have your say
You don't need to be a planning expert. Here is how to make sure your views count.
Join the consultation database
This is the single most useful step. The council invites residents, businesses, community groups, landowners and anyone else with an interest to register. You will get updates on consultations, events and surveys as each stage opens. Sign up through the form on the council's Local Plan page.
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This is when the big choices are set out, such as where new homes could go and how the islands balance growth with protection. It is planned for winter or spring 2027. Ideas raised at this early stage are usually far easier to act on than objections made once a plan is drafted.
Comment on the draft plan in 2028
When the finished draft is published, there will be a formal consultation lasting at least eight weeks, expected in spring 2028. Comments made then go to the independent planning inspector with the plan. Be specific. Name the policy or site, say what you would change and explain clearly why it matters.
Attend the examination hearings
Between April and September 2028, an independent inspector will examine the plan. The hearings are open to the public, so anyone can go along and listen. If you commented at the formal stage, you may also be invited to speak about the issues you raised.
Other ways to stay in touch
- Email the planning team at planning@scilly.gov.uk or call 01720 424455
- Ask your local councillor
- Sign up to the council's email news
- Check the Have Your Say planning consultations page
It does make a difference. When the council last reviewed its plan in 2015, 117 people came to drop in sessions and 84 sent written responses.
Second home owners and seasonal workers
You don't have to live on Scilly all year to take part. The consultation database is open to anyone with an interest in the islands, including second home owners, landlords and people who come over each season to work. Housing policies could affect how homes are used, so your view is worth sharing too.
Frequently asked questions
When will the new Local Plan be adopted?
The council expects to adopt it between October 2028 and March 2029, with spring 2029 its current target.
Does the current Local Plan still apply?
Yes. The Local Plan 2015 to 2030 is still used for planning decisions until the new plan is adopted.
Who checks the plan?
The government reviews the draft at Gateway 2 in October 2027. An independent inspector then examines it in 2028.
Explore Scilly will cover each stage of the Local Plan as it opens, so you never miss a chance to have your say.
