Isles of Scilly
Good
Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes
The Isles of Scilly is a small island authority in the South West of England with a strong track record of approving householder planning applications. The council takes a generally supportive approach to residential development, with 9 out of 10 applications being approved. Being an island community, planning decisions here are shaped by considerations around protecting the unique character and environment of the islands.
Approval Rate
90%
of householder applications approved
Decided Within 8 Weeks
55%
meet the statutory target
Appeal Overturn Rate
0%
of refusals overturned on appeal
What to Expect
You can be confident that your householder application has a good chance of success, with a 90% approval rate among similar applications in this area. However, you should be prepared for the decision to take a little longer than the standard 8 weeks, as only 55% of applications are decided within this timeframe. The council will work through your application carefully, and when decisions are made, they tend to be final, as the appeal overturn rate is notably low. Overall, whilst the process may take slightly longer, the likelihood of approval is genuinely encouraging.
Local Planning Considerations
The Isles of Scilly are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which means your plans will need to respect and protect the special landscape and character of the islands. Many buildings and areas have additional protection through conservation designations, so it is important to check whether your property or proposed development falls within these areas before you apply. Any proposal that could affect the islands' unique environment, wildlife, or heritage will receive careful scrutiny from the council.
Tips for Homeowners
Start by having a clear conversation with the planning team at the council before you submit anything formal, as they can give you valuable guidance specific to your location and the nature of your proposal. Make sure you provide plenty of detail about how your project fits with the island landscape and character, as this will be important to the council's decision making. Since decisions can take a little longer here, build extra time into your plans if you have a deadline, and consider submitting your application well in advance of when you hope to start work. Finally, if your property is in or near a conservation area, invest time in understanding those protections and how they affect what you can and cannot do.
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