The Full Council of the Isles of Scilly met on Thursday, 18 June 2026, to discuss a range of important matters including planning applications, financial performance, governance, and the ongoing Town Hall redevelopment project. The meeting's agenda included consideration of two planning applications, a review of the Local Planning Authority Monitoring Report, and updates on the Council's financial position and corporate risk register. Attendees also received a supplementary report detailing the progress of the Town Hall Redevelopment Project.

Planning Applications

Two planning applications were scheduled for discussion:

• P/26/032/FUL - Land to the South of Parting Carn Lane, St Mary's: This application concerned the siting of a mobile abattoir at Parting Carn Farm. The report detailed the site description, proposed development, and consultation responses, including ecological and environmental health assessments. The application was considered against national and local planning policies, with a recommendation to grant planning permission subject to conditions.
• P/26/034/FUL - St Agnes Post Office and Stores, Middle Town St Agnes: This application proposed the demolition of the existing shop and post office (excluding the granite gable) and the construction of a new shop, post office, and workers' dwelling. The report outlined the site description, proposed development, and consultation feedback, including archaeological and ecological considerations. A recommendation to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, was presented.

Local Planning Authority Monitoring Report (AMR19) 2025-26

The Chief Planning Officer presented the Authority Monitoring Report (AMR19) for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. This report reviewed the implementation and effectiveness of policies within the adopted Isles of Scilly Local Plan (2015–2030) and identified trends in housing delivery, planning applications, infrastructure, heritage, and conservation. The findings are intended to inform the ongoing review of the Local Plan for the period 2026–2041. Members were asked to note the report and approve its publication.

Draft Annual Governance Statement 2025-26

The Monitoring Officer presented the draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2025-26. This statement, prepared in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the CIPFA/SOLACE Framework, assesses the Council's governance and internal control features against its Code of Governance. The report highlighted a significant governance issue identified in the previous year regarding the updating of policies and procedures, with further action planned for 2026-27. Members were asked to approve the draft AGS for public inspection and subsequent final approval.

External Audit Plan 2025-26

The Chief Executive & S151 Officer presented the proposed external audit plan for 2025-26. This statutory requirement outlines the scope and timing of the audit, including significant risks, materiality, value for money arrangements, and the proposed audit fee. The report noted a slight reduction in the proposed audit fee compared to the previous year, but highlighted that it remains a significant cost relative to the Council's size. Members were asked to review the plan and ask any necessary questions of the external auditor.

4th Quarter 2025/26 - Financial Performance Report

This report detailed the Council's financial performance for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. It included revenue budget monitoring by service, savings delivery, capital programme monitoring, and updates on major projects. The report indicated an overall revenue overspend of £1,060,718, which was proposed to be funded through Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) via a capitalisation directive. The report also provided updates on airport performance, business rates, water rates, housing rent collection, sundry debt, payment performance, and treasury management activity. Recommendations included noting the financial performance, approving the proposal to fund the overspend, and adjusting the capital programme.

Proposed lease Unit 1, Gleaner, Porthcressa, St Marys to Visit Scilly

This report sought approval for a proposed commercial lease of Unit 1 Gleaner, Porthcressa, St Mary's to Visit Scilly. The report detailed the property's characteristics, the terms of the proposed lease, and the strategic importance of Visit Scilly in supporting the islands' visitor economy. The proposal was to grant a two-year lease at a peppercorn rent of £1 per annum, including service charges, to address Visit Scilly's urgent need for office space.

Public Spaces Protection Order 2026 Consultation Results and final proposal

The Head of Regulatory Services presented the results of a consultation on a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control. The report outlined the legal basis for PSPOs, the consultation process, and feedback received. It highlighted general support for fixed penalty notices for dog fouling and for maintaining exclusion zones. Amendments were proposed to clarify restrictions around designated bird breeding areas, with a recommendation to approve the draft PSPO and for it to take effect from 1st July 2026.

Council performance summary and corporate risk register: quarter 4 2025/26

This report provided a summary of the Council's performance for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, included at Appendix A. It also presented the corporate risk register for the same period, detailed in Appendix B. The report noted that improvements in performance monitoring were ongoing, particularly in agreeing methodologies for calculating targets. The corporate risk register narrative was being monitored to maintain focus on specific risks. Members were asked to note the information and determine if further action was required.

Climate Action Fund

The Head of Environment presented a report recommending the acceptance of National Lottery 'Climate Action' funding amounting to £83,192.50 over five years. This funding, part of the 'Locally-Led Climate Resilience' project, aims to reduce the climate impact of the Isles of Scilly by developing the local circular economy, particularly around the agriculture-food-waste cycle. The report also sought approval for an uplift to the Council's revenue budget to match the funding and approval of a draft 'Locally-Led Climate Resilience Partnership Agreement'.

Town Hall Redevelopment Project update

A supplementary report provided an update on the Town Hall Redevelopment Project, detailing the project's history, current progress, and budget position. The report highlighted programme delays and increased costs, leading to a significant funding shortfall. Options for project completion were presented, with a recommendation to pursue full completion, including seeking additional grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and approving an additional Council contribution of up to £794,320 through prudential borrowing. The report also discussed the causes of programme delays and lessons learned from the project's delivery.

Schedule of Delegated Planning Applications

This report was provided for information only, listing planning applications determined under delegated authority since the last report. It also included a list of planning applications still pending determination. The report noted the increasing emphasis on delegated powers for timely decision-making.

The meeting also included reports for information only, such as an Executive decision under Standing Order 34 regarding the deregulation of street trading at events on Council land, and the Better Care Fund Plan 2026/27.