The FULL COUNCIL of Isles of Scilly Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 18 June 2026, with a meeting pack that includes several significant reports for consideration. Key discussions are expected to revolve around planning applications, the council's financial performance, and updates on major projects, including the Town Hall Redevelopment.

Planning Applications

Two significant planning applications are scheduled for discussion:

P/26/032/FUL: Mobile Abattoir at Parting Carn Farm, St Mary's

This application seeks permission for the siting of a mobile slaughter unit at Parting Carn Farm on St Mary's. The report details the proposed development, which would provide a small-scale, on-island facility for processing locally reared livestock. The report assesses the principle of development, its compliance with the Development Plan, and potential environmental, amenity, and operational impacts. The proposal is noted to be a temporary and reversible structure, which is a material consideration in its assessment within the Conservation Area and National Landscape.

P/26/034/FUL: St Agnes Post Office and Stores

This application concerns the demolition of the existing shop and post office on St Agnes, with the construction of a replacement facility and a two-bedroom worker's dwelling. The report outlines the site description, the proposed development including phased delivery to maintain operational continuity, and the background to the application, which arises from the need to modernise an essential community service. The assessment considers the principle of development, economic and community benefits, design, layout, visual impact, residential amenity, and ecological considerations. The proposal is noted to align with the Isles of Scilly Local Plan policies supporting community facilities and sustainable economic development.

Local Planning Authority Monitoring Report (AMR19) 2025-26

The Council is set to receive the Local Planning Authority Monitoring Report (AMR19) for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. This report reviews the implementation and effectiveness of policies within the adopted Isles of Scilly Local Plan (2015–2030) and will inform the ongoing review of the Local Plan for the period 2026–2041. The report highlights trends in planning applications, housing delivery, infrastructure, heritage, and conservation, indicating that while policies are generally operating effectively, targeted refinements will be necessary.

Draft Annual Governance Statement 2025-26

The Council is required to prepare an Annual Governance Statement (AGS) in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. The draft AGS for 2025-26 will be presented for approval in draft form to enable its publication alongside the Council's Statement of Accounts. This statement assesses the Council's compliance with its Code of Governance and the CIPFA/SOLACE Framework principles, identifying any significant governance issues and planned improvements. A key area for ongoing action is the review and updating of policies and procedures, which has been identified as a significant governance issue and an improvement recommendation from the external audit.

External Audit Plan 2025-26

The proposed external audit plan for the year 2025-26 will be presented for review. This statutory requirement outlines the scope and timing of the audit, including significant risks, materiality, value for money arrangements, and IT audit strategy. The audit will focus on the Council's financial statements and its arrangements for securing economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in its use of resources. A key risk identified relates to financial sustainability, particularly concerning budget pressures within Adult Social Care and the arrangements for managing financial risks.

4th Quarter 2025/26 - Financial Performance Report

This report details the Council's financial performance for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. It includes an overall revenue budget outturn position of an overspend of £1,060,718, with significant contributions from Adult Services and Children Services. The report outlines the proposal to fund this overspend through Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) via a capitalisation directive, which has been approved in principle by the Secretary of State. The report also provides updates on airport monitoring, savings delivery, the capital programme, major scheme performance, and collection rates for Council Tax, Business Rates, Water Rates, and Housing Rents.

Proposed Lease of Unit 1, Gleaner, Porthcressa, St Mary's to Visit Scilly

The Council is considering a proposal for a commercial lease of Unit 1, Gleaner, Porthcressa, St Mary's to Visit Scilly (VIOS). VIOS, the destination management organisation for the islands, requires new office space and has approached the Council for premises. The report recommends approving a two-year lease at a peppercorn rent of £1 per annum, including service charges. This proposal is presented as an 'in-kind' contribution to support VIOS's strategic role in the island's visitor economy, which is vital for the local economy.

Public Spaces Protection Order 2026 Consultation Results and Final Proposal

This report presents the results of a consultation on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control on the Isles of Scilly. The current PSPO is due for renewal on 1st July 2026. The report details the consultation feedback, highlighting general agreement with the current order, with suggestions for clearer signage and information accessibility. Amendments to Schedule 5A and Map 21A are proposed to clarify restrictions around designated bird breeding areas, following feedback from the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. The report recommends approving the draft PSPO, with the suggested amendments, to take effect from 1st July 2026.

Council Performance Summary and Corporate Risk Register: Quarter 4 2025/26

This report provides a performance summary for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2025/26, along with the corporate risk register for the same period. The performance tables have been updated to include current year actual performance, annual targets, and previous year's actuals. The corporate risk register narrative is being monitored to focus on specific risks. Each risk is linked to the Council's Corporate Plan, aligning with recommendations from external auditors.

Climate Action Fund

The Council is recommended to approve the acceptance of National Lottery 'Climate Action' funding amounting to £83,192.50 over five years. This funding, secured in collaboration with the Isles of Scilly Community Venture CIC and the University of York, will support the Locally-Led Climate Resilience project. The project aims to reduce the islands' climate impact by developing the local circular economy, particularly around the agriculture-food-waste cycle, and will involve community co-development workshops, training, and the implementation of co-designed climate actions.

Town Hall Redevelopment Project Update

A supplementary report provides an update on the Town Hall Redevelopment Project, which aims to transform the Grade II listed building into a Museum and Cultural Centre (MaCC). The report details the project's history, current progress, and significant programme delays and cost implications. It outlines three options for moving forward: stopping works, reducing scope, or full completion. The report recommends full completion as the preferred option, highlighting the significant benefits of a completed facility for the community, economy, and heritage. It also seeks approval for additional funding of up to £794,320, to be funded from Prudential borrowing, to bridge the remaining funding shortfall and enable the project's completion. The report also confirms confirmation from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) inviting an application for an uplift in funding, with a deadline for submission in mid-July.

Schedule of Delegated Planning Applications

This report is for information only and lists planning applications that have been determined under delegated authority since the last report. It also includes a list of planning applications that are still pending determination. The report notes the increasing emphasis on delegated powers for planning application determinations in line with emerging national legislation.