The terms of reference for the independent learning review into the handling of the original scheme for Armada Way, which led to the felling of 109 trees, were agreed by Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet on 20 May 2024.
At the Cabinet meeting on 10 July 2023, the Leader announced an independent review into the handling of the now over-turned decision, originally planned for once the judicial review proceedings had concluded on 20 March.
Cabinet members have now agreed the terms of reference, outlining that the review will:
- Provide an opportunity for the Council to receive feedback from interested stakeholders to enable it to objectively analyse areas of good practice and areas of improvement for the organisation.
- Obtain an independent, fair and objective appraisal of all relevant facts and factors pertaining to the original decision and the implementation of the original scheme; and
- Provide the Council with learning outcomes from which it can identify improvements to its procedures and processes, particularly in relation to governance, decision making and the management of the original scheme as a major project.
As part of the court order at the Judicial Review hearing in March this year, the Judge recognised the Council’s plans to hold the independent learning review and we made a commitment to the Court that this will be undertaken as soon as all remaining legal processes are over.
The review will be truly independent, with an independent, senior chair from outside of the city with a specialism in local authority governance. They will be joined by two further local government advisors who specialise in legal issues, environment, planning and regeneration.
The panel will specifically examine:
- The approach taken by the Council in preparing the original decision and associated documentation
- Details of the decision-making processes from a governance and legal perspective
- Whether a sufficient consultation process was undertaken and the extent to which feedback was incorporated into the plans for the original scheme
- The eventual implementation of the original decision and the events surrounding it
- Recording officer decision making processes and actions
- The impact of the original scheme on the local environment, to include reasons why an environmental impact assessment was not undertaken prior to the original decision
- The financial implications of the events and circumstances arising from the original decision and the implementation of the original scheme, including the costs directly to the Council.
Now that the terms of reference have been agreed, the Council will seek to commission the independent review panel, so their work can begin as soon as all legal proceedings have concluded, in accordance with the Court Order.
A final report outlining the findings of the review will be published and submitted to a full Council within three months.