The Full Council meeting of Isles of Scilly Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important matters, including a significant planning application, the initiation of a new Local Plan, and the council's financial performance. Other key topics included the Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service's Prevention Strategy, rent setting for social and general fund housing, and a schedule of delegated planning applications.

P/25/110/HH Poltair, Church Street, Hugh Town St Mary's

The meeting was scheduled to consider a planning application for Poltair, located on Church Street in Hugh Town, St Mary's¹. The application sought permission for the replacement of timber fascia and soffit boards with uPVC alternatives, along with the replacement of existing uPVC rainwater goods. The report from the Chief Planning Officer recommended that members grant planning permission, subject to conditions outlined in Appendix A of the report. The Chief Planning Officer was also to be delegated authority to make any necessary changes to these conditions.

Local Plan 2026-2041: Project Initiation Document (PID)

A significant item on the agenda was the Project Initiation Document (PID) for the Isles of Scilly Local Plan 2026-2041². The report from the Chief Planning Officer recommended that members approve this document, which outlines the scope, objectives, and governance arrangements for the preparation of a new Local Plan for the period 2026-2041. The approval would confirm that work should proceed according to the proposed timetable and statutory plan-making requirements. The Chief Planning Officer was also to be delegated the responsibility for commissioning and managing the evidence base studies, engagement activities, and preparatory work necessary for the Local Plan Review.

3rd Quarter 2025/26 - Financial Performance Report

The council's financial performance for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year was scheduled for review. The report from the Chief Executive & S151 Officer indicated a projected overspend of £1,194,225. The report recommended that members note this financial performance and approve the proposal to fund the current year's overspend by utilising the Council General Fund Reserve. Furthermore, the Section 151 Officer was to be authorised, in consultation with the Chairman and Lead Member for Finance, Governance, Risk and Performance and Corporate Services, to approve the final 2025/26 outturn report, including any necessary variations to reserve movements. The report also detailed an increase to the Capital Programme by £1,159,429 to reflect additional funding for the Surface Water Project.

Isles of Scilly Corporate Parenting and Vulnerable Children - Isles of Scilly where childhood matters

The meeting was to receive a report from the Transformation Lead concerning corporate parenting and vulnerable children in the Isles of Scilly, under the theme Isles of Scilly where childhood matters ³.

Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service - Prevention Strategy

The Chief Fire Officer was scheduled to present the Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service's Prevention Strategy⁴. The report recommended that members approve the content of this strategy, which aims to reduce fire-related injuries, fatalities, and other emergencies through prevention, education, and community engagement. The strategy emphasises an intelligence-led approach, targeted resource allocation, and strong partnerships to protect the most vulnerable.

Social Housing Account - Rent Setting 2026/27

The Head of Housing and Corporate & Commercial Facilities Management was to present proposals for rent setting for the Social Housing Account for the 2026/27 financial year⁵. The recommendation was for members to approve an increase of 4.8% in annual rents for properties within the Social and Affordable Housing Portfolio, as well as for garage rents and property service charges. This increase aligns with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1% national policy.

General Fund Account - Rent Setting 2026/27

Following the social housing rent setting, the Head of Housing and Corporate & Commercial Facilities Management was also scheduled to present proposals for rent setting for the General Fund Account for 2026/27⁶. The recommendation was to approve a rent increase of 3.8%, reflecting the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September 2025.

Schedule of Delegated Planning Applications

Finally, the meeting was to receive a schedule of delegated planning applications for information only⁷. This report, prepared by the Planning Assistant, listed applications that had been registered and/or determined since the previous schedule was published. The report provided details on the status of each application, including those that were pending, refused, or granted.