Source: City of Plymouth
Plymouth City Council has today published the findings of an independent learning review into the events surrounding the felling of trees on Armada Way in March 2023 — and has committed to a comprehensive action plan to improve how it delivers major projects and engages with residents.
Commissioned by the current administration and led by a panel of independent experts through SOLACE, the review explored how decisions were made, how the project was managed, and how the Council communicated with the public. The panel reviewed extensive documentation, court evidence, and conducted interviews with staff, partners, and residents.
The report offers valuable insights into areas where the Council’s approach did not meet the standards expected — particularly in governance, project management, engagement, and staff wellbeing. It highlights opportunities that were missed and processes that did not function as effectively as they should have.
In response, the Council has reflected and acknowledged that there were weaknesses in the approach to bringing forward the project, many of which had underlying causes. As a result, a detailed action plan has been published outlining how the Council will address the findings and ensure that lessons are fully embraced. This includes strengthening decision-making processes, improving consultation and communication, and introducing a new corporate approach to project management.
Chief Executive Tracey Lee said: “I want to thank David Williams and the panel for their thorough and thoughtful work. We are grateful for the insights the review has provided — even where they are difficult to hear. It’s clear that in some key areas, we came up short of where we needed to be. And for that, we are sorry.
“Every single day, this Council delivers outstanding work. From supporting vulnerable families to delivering major infrastructure, we are making a real difference to people’s lives. The issues highlighted in this report are not reflective of the vast majority of what we do. But they do show us where we need to improve.
“We are committed to being a learning organisation — one that reflects honestly, adapts, and grows from experience. That’s not just important for us as a Council — it’s vital for the people we serve. When we learn, we improve. And when we improve, we deliver better outcomes for our communities.
“But, let me be clear — Plymouth City Council is not anti-tree. In fact, since November, thanks in part to a huge new partnership effort, there are over 35,000 new trees growing and establishing across the city. This has resulted in us being recognised by the Tree Cities of the World programme. But we are also ambitious for Plymouth. We want this city to grow — and that means making difficult decisions.
“This review was about how we made those decisions, and it’s evident that we didn’t always get it right. We are committed to learning from this experience and doing better.”
The Council’s action plan includes:
- A revised policy and training programme for public engagement and consultation
- A new project management framework, to be rolled out across the organisation
- Enhanced support and training to ensure stronger governance and decision-making processes
- Improved support for staff wellbeing
- A review of the Council’s Constitution, Scrutiny arrangements, and governance training
The report and action plan will be discussed at the Council meeting on 2 June, where the Chair of the Independent Review Panel will present the findings to members.
David Williams, Chair of the Review Panel, said: “This was a complex and sensitive situation. While there were clearly areas where the Council could have done better, what stood out to us was the genuine commitment to the city’s regeneration and the strong community voice advocating for green spaces.
“This review wasn’t about blame. It was about understanding how things unfolded, where opportunities were missed, and how the Council can move forward in a more inclusive and resilient way. We hope the findings support healing, strengthen trust, and help the Council deliver its ambitions with the community alongside them.”
Tracey Lee added: “We are committed to rebuilding trust through transparency and accountability. We won’t always get everything right, but we will always listen, learn, and strive to do the right thing for Plymouth.”
The Council has already begun implementing changes and will report regularly on progress through the Audit and Governance committee process.
You can read the full Independent Learning Review Report and Action Plan on our website.