SIR,

At its recent meeting, Monmouth Civic Society discussed the proposed development on Dixton Road close to the intersection with the A40.

We appreciated that, so far as we know, there has not yet been a formal submission to planning, but there has been much discussion locally, and members wished to make their views known.

The meeting instructed me to write to the planning department and planning committee on behalf of the society, since members voted unanimously to oppose any such development.

Feelings in the town run high about this proposal, and we intend to hold an open public meeting to discuss the matter.

You will be aware that there are objections to this proposal on the grounds of:

Traffic congestion: Dixton Road approach to the A40 already generates long queues at peak travel times, and also at the end of school when large number of coaches exit onto Dixton Road.

The development is likely to add to congestion in ways which risk queues backing up into the A40.

Appearance: this development would be the first view southbound traffic has of the entry to both Monmouth and Wales. Very recently designs for a 'Gateway' sculpture or device on the site of the roundabout were entered in a competition for 'Gateway Wales', and indeed the approach down the dual carriageway to this point is scenically impressive.

It would lower our national aspirations severely for the gateway to consist of a car park and fast food outlets.

Much has been made of opposition to McDonald's, but the specific retailer is irrelevant – it is the general appearance and connotations which are important.

However, much the most important of the society's objections is the development's:

Effect on the character of the town: Monmouth is a very attractive and well-integrated market town.

Largely because of its attractiveness, it has survived the economic recession remarkably well. It has a fairly comprehensive range of shops, all contained within a small and well-defined area.

New retail development aimed at direct access from the A40, with free and available parking, and too far from the town centre for users to walk comfortably, will suck commercial activity from the town, and start the process of decentralisation and hollowing-out seen in far too many small towns.

It will substantially change the character of the town, in a way which we believe most people will find detrimental.

Monmouth has faced, and dealt with, this type of threat previously, when Tesco tried to develop the same site.

It was considered to be inappropriate then, and this remains the case today. It is a responsibility of the county's planners to protect and enhance the environment and character of our towns, and this must not be traded away for commercial gain or for any financial contribution towards other council obligations.

Monmouth Civic Society trusts that the county council will safeguard Monmouth from this threat, as it has in the past.

Grahame Thomas

(Chairman, Monmouth Civic Society)