SIR,

I would like to draw your readers' attention to planning application DC/2010/01096, submitted by Hidden Valley Yurts, NP16 6QU.

This application, which may appear superficially trivial, is for the re-siting of four yurts, of 10 approved in an application for change of use in 2006.

The re-sited yurts would be placed well within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – one pair in the field by Penarth Mill with its beautiful, historic bridge; one pair in the centre of Prysg Wood.

They would dominate the heart of the tranquil, natural beauty of the Penarth Valley, spoiling it for every future vistor and resident, and potentially setting a precedent for further development.

Yurts are often described as tents, but they are not tents in any common sense of the word; they may be 2.5m tall and 6m in diameter, raised on permanent wooden decks.

They would not be taken down every couple of weeks, leaving nothing more than some yellowing grass.

Rather they would be in place from April to October, need substantial facilities to support them and be occupied by new holidaying campers every week or so.

The campers, having paid quite substantial sums for their holiday, will likely feel entitled to let their hair down and make some noise – different people and more noise every week, week-in, week-out, all spring and summer, every year, as they have done at the original site.

The detrimental effects on the valley would be profound and precedent setting.

At the same time, no extra economic benefit would accrue from permitting the re-siting of four yurts for which permission already exists at an established site; indeed potentially the reverse is probable, with a spoiled valley of less interest to walkers and other visitors.

Details of the application and the objections to it have been posted at ukplanning.com – click on search applications, select Wales, then Monmouthshire, then search applications again, and enter 01096. Continued on page 8

I hope your readers will join Trellech United Community Council, who were unanimous in their vote to advise Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) to refuse this application.

The matter will now come to the full MCC planning committee, probably during March.

This gives your readers time to consider the application, perhaps visit the valley, and consider whether they would like to object to it.

The peace and security of the wonderful Penarth Valley on the Welsh side of the Wye Valley AONB is at stake.

David Scouller

(Llanishen)