MADAM,

That massive building being erected at Wonastow Road for Siltbuster has produced some very angry comments, and rightly so. It’s so out of place that there ought to be a town protest about it.

It’s simply huge, the size of a football pitch, and stands out like a sore thumb in a beautiful little valley. How on earth could planners agree to such a monstrosity?

Surely, would-be residents are not going to fork out more than £400,000 for a new home with that building and its associated industrial traffic in their immediate view.

This steel eyesore is also in full view of the Wonastow Road and visible from surrounding hills. The Wonastow valley itself is undoubtably picturesque and a big draw for walkers and conservationists who I am sure will be amazed when they see the building.

It so happens that there is a large picture in the Monmouth library which does the valley justice. The view is from the Kymin and at the base of the picture is a description of the valley by Thomas Martyn in a Tour to South Wales, 1801, “as being equal to any view in the whole kingdom”.

The library picture, taken during recent years, looks over the town and focuses on the White Hill woods and adjoining fields. It’s a magnificent vista which is now ruined by this hideous building.

Monmouth used to be a town full of historic pride. Not any more. Now many shop fronts look like those in other towns, people and vehicles make the thoroughfares thrombotic every day of the week, while parking is really hopeless. And, of course, schools and services are bursting at the seams. Yet, despite all this and taking into consideration the many hundreds of homes built in the last few years, we are having another 500 constructed between Wonastow and Watery Lane, which will mean an additional 1500 vehicles coming from the new development! It’s bonkers!

Is it not time for our county planners to be replaced, possibly by a specialist private company, who could provide sensible and honest decisions?

Fred James

(Monmouth)