Sir,
The planning committees of Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire councils must take great care to address only planning criteria when arriving at a decision about the proposed cycle track.
Arguments for and against, and letters of support, are irrelevant unless they can be translated into such criteria.
Councils may find themselves the subject of judicial review if they allow themselves to be swayed by emotive arguments instead of adhering to proper procedures, as has already happened in the case of a previous Sustrans application.
The outcome of that judicial review found against MCC and cost local tax payers a great deal of money.
Nor should there be any presumption that, should planning permission be granted, the track will be built.
The financial cost of the scheme is not a planning criterion but it is fundamental to whether councils would decide to contribute to the construction.
Sustrans' charitable status allows them to contribute only 50 per cent of the capital costs, the other half of which must be met locally.
Nor do Sustrans pay for the cost of ongoing maintenance or policing, which again falls on local tax payers.
Given that the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean already offer many off-road opportunities for cycling and walking, investment in further provision at this time of financial austerity may seem to many to be an extravagant use of scarce resources.
Councils must look to the needs of the majority and perhaps funds would be better spent on increased provision of public transport, which can carry many people of all ages and fitness levels and in all weather conditions.
Rosemary Dagger
(Llandogo)