SIR,

May I, through the pages of your paper, highlight the plight of the old Monmouth hospital building on Hereford Road, Monmouth.

An appeal has been lodged by the developer, requesting that the demolition of this super old building be allowed, and that new houses and apartments be built.

This is in direct contravention to the conditions of the original planning application.

Over recent years the building has been allowed to deteriorate (no doubt a deliberate tactic to convince planners that it should be demolished) and could soon be lost completely.

Could I encourage all those who feel that this iconic old building should be allowed to stand, to lodge their comments at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk">www.planningportal.gov.uk appeal ref E6840/A/11/2150734.

Alternatively, you may write to the Planning Inspectorate, Crown Buildings, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.

Unless members of the community make their views known, this will be another building lost to development.

I have also contacted Cadw in the hope that again, if enough interest is shown this building be listed to prevent demolition.

I have been advised that should enough support be shown, Cadw will consider adding it to their list.

C Hughes-Gardiner

(Monmouth)