An independent review of Winchester City Council's unlawful Silver Hill decision will include 'lessons to be learned'

Solicitor Claer Lloyd-Jones has announced the brief of her investigation into decisions which led to Winchester City Council’s unlawful action over the controversial city centre development.

The legal consultant has been briefed on the scheme’s 18-year history and will interview key figures ahead of a report to be presented to council by summer.

She is inviting submissions from members of the public.

The £200,000 inquiry was announced last month after a judicial review found the council had twice breached European law when it kept the project of shops and flats from commercial tender.

In a statement published on Wednesday, Ms Lloyd-Jones said: “The review will address whether appropriate advice was sought, whether that advice was correctly interpreted, whether it was clearly presented in reports to members, and whether it was taken into account in decision-making.

“It will address the judicial review, departures from the original brief and their reasons, and any relevant matters emerging from the 2012 Compulsory Purchase Order process and any subsequent changes.

“The review will make findings of fact, suggest lessons to be learned and make other recommendations for the future.”

She added that interviewees would include “past and present councillors, officers of the council, specialist advisers and contractors.”

When asked to clarify whether she would speak to co-developer TIAA Henderson Real Estate, which applied for the unlawfully-granted changes, Ms Lloyd-Jones said: “I haven’t finalised the list of people that I’m speaking to, and so I can’t at this stage answer that question.” She declined further comment.

Civic chiefs have been keen to ensure the review is independent of councillors and Guildhall staff after transparency concerns from Silver Hill campaigners.

Simon Eden, the council’s chief executive, told the Hampshire Chronicle: “[Ms Lloyd-Jones] was given the history to the scheme, which is summarised in numerous reports, and left to judge how best she saw the remit.

“She has spoken to several members and officers in considering that remit, which can evolve as she sees fit.

“Ms Lloyd-Jones has decided on parameters and dates,” he added. “The only message from us was that she should examine everything that she considers relevant to the JR [judicial review] judgement.”

Public submissions for Ms Lloyd-Jones’ consideration should be emailed to silverhillreview@winchester.gov.uk by the end of April.