The Council of the Isles of Scilly Full Council met on 16 September 2025, and among the decisions made, councillors approved a draft management plan for the Isles of Scilly National Landscape Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for public consultation, and adopted a new Recruitment, Selection and Promotion Policy, which included updated provisions for employee travel and accommodation expenses. Councillors also granted planning permission for building projects on Tresco and St Mary's.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:

• Isles of Scilly National Landscape Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan 2026-2030
• Employee Travel and Accommodation Expenses
• Planning Decisions
• Green Maritime Corridor Feasibility Study
• Workforce and Skills Strategy
• Housing Service Annual Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report 2024-2025
• Commercial Property Lease Arrangements
• Schedule of Delegated Planning Applications

Isles of Scilly National Landscape Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan 2026-2030

The council approved the draft Isles of Scilly National Landscape AONB Management Plan 2026-2030 for an 8-week public consultation, which will be led by the Isles of Scilly National Landscape Partnership. The plan outlines how the partnership intends to protect the special qualities of the AONB over the next five years, in order to conserve and enhance its natural beauty.

The plan is split into four strategic chapters: nature, climate, people and place. Supporting annexes were also noted, including the State of the Isles of Scilly National Landscape 2025 report, a Climate Change Risk Assessment, and the IoSNL Planning Protocol June 2025. Councillors also noted the proposed consultation questionnaire to gather public feedback.

The council delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Place, Economy & Environment, in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment, Environmental Services and Climate Change, Councillor John Peacock, to approve the final version of the plan, including making minor amendments after considering feedback from the consultation.

Employee Travel and Accommodation Expenses

The council resolved to adopt a new Recruitment, Selection and Promotion Policy, including updated provisions relating to employee travel and accommodation expenses, effective from 1 October 2025. They also resolved to adopt proposed amendments to the travel and accommodation expenses provisions within the Pay Policy Statement, also effective from 1 October 2025.

The council also agreed to work with other stakeholders to address the shortage of housing for council employees required to reside on the islands to deliver statutory public services.

The council agreed that the updated Recruitment, Selection and Promotion policy and Pay Policy Statement, if approved, would supersede the previous Full Council decision C164/23 regarding the Chief Executive Officer post. The Chief Executive's normal place of work is to work from home, or any other location within 25 miles that he can reach by land, and which the Council may reasonably require. He will also be required to travel to any of the Council's sites on the Isles of Scilly for business purposes. The working arrangement is for the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer to spend less than 40% of his working time on-island. Travel and accommodation costs that are wholly, exclusively, and necessarily incurred in the performance of his duties will be funded by the Council or reimbursed.

Planning Decisions

The council made the following planning decisions:

• Town Hall, The Parade, St Mary's: Approved amendments to the planning permission and granted listed building consent for the conservation, upgrading and extension of the Grade II listed Town Hall to provide a new cultural centre and museum.
• Land adjacent to the Waste Site, Borough, Tresco: Granted planning permission for the erection of a builder's materials and machinery store.
• Carn Gwaval Health and Wellbeing Centre: Granted planning permission for the installation of three new windows, a new external door canopy, and the removal of one rooflight.
• Trelawney, Church Street, Hugh Town St Mary's: Refused planning permission for the variation of a condition that would have converted three short-term holiday letting units into three permanent residential dwellings, as two of the proposed units fell significantly below minimum internal space requirements.
• Co-operative Store, Hugh Street, St Mary's: Approved planning permission for essential work. Councillor Steve Sims suggested consideration of dog tethers installed outside of the building.

Green Maritime Corridor Feasibility Study

The council noted a report on the Green Maritime Corridor Feasibility Study and endorsed the initiative. The study, led by Artemis Technologies, will assess the potential of a new type of high-speed electric ferry to serve the route between Newlyn and St Mary's. The study will explore what it would take to bring a year-round ferry service to life, from shoreside charging facilities, providing green electricity, to regulatory approvals.

Workforce and Skills Strategy

The council approved the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Workforce and Skills Strategy. The strategy aims to address workforce challenges, support inclusive economic growth, improve productivity, and ensure access to meaningful employment opportunities. It builds on the 2021 iteration and aligns with national policy frameworks. The strategy sets out a ten-year vision structured around four strategic pillars: Inspire, Transform, Innovate, and Thrive.

Housing Service Annual Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report 2024-2025

The council noted the Housing Service Annual Complaints Report and approved the annual Self-Assessment for Complaint Handling for 2024-2025. The report indicated a low level of complaints, attributed to the council's working relationship with tenants.

Commercial Property Lease Arrangements

The council approved proposed updates to the structure of new commercial leases, including an annual increase of CPI¹ (Consumer Prices Index) +1%. The aim is to standardise leases, simplify the rent review process, and improve transparency.

Schedule of Delegated Planning Applications

The council received the Schedule of Delegated Planning Applications for information.