SIR,

I see that Monmouthshire County Council's planning committee now has another accolade that can be bestowed upon its integrity.

At its last meeting held on Monmouth soil, the committee managed to turn down one application for a training centre, yet approve another.

Looking deeper into the accusation of double standards, it seems councillors still have 'stars in their eyes' with the approval of a rural skills training centre from the conversion of redundant agricultural buildings at Upper Meend Farm, near Penallt, as they claimed that for such an educational use could benefit the economy.

Yet in the very same breath, they refused an application for a building for the teaching and training of canoeing, rock climbing and other outdoor activities at Monmouth's Canoe Centre.

Now let's look at the differences; the first application was by none other than Monmouth's golden girl, (in the eyes of MCC), Kate Humble, the second was by the Canoe Centre run by Graham and Sue Symonds.

One of the main objections to the second proposal was that the area has a one per cent flood risk; hang on, haven't we just seen a development pushed through for 400 houses on a flood plain, and isn't the majority of the lower end of Monmouth subject to a high risk of flooding?

Let's be fair, what damage can a flood do to a canoe centre anyway? Alas it was turned down, although I understand from someone that was present at the meeting that the councillors present were in favour of the application initially until their minds were changed by a planning officer.

Going back to the first application, planning officer George Ashworth commented that: "The council is keen to see it happen. It might put Monmouthshire on the map."

As MCC still owns 30 per cent of the farm, it is no wonder he was delighted that councillors gave the green light to this.

A report to cabinet members in 2011 said the overall project would not only bring a financial return to the council, but would become a "prestigious, prominent and iconic destination designed to stimulate growth in the local rural, food and tourism industries and celebrate brand Monmouthshire" (South Wales Argus, 10th January).

Well the same could be said about Monmouth Canoe Centre, which attracts about 6,000 visitors to the area; the Chamber of Trade and Commerce for Monmouth have said these visitors are attracted from all over the globe with recorded visitors from Japan, China, Australia, USA, Argentina, Ecuador and Nepal, and commented that the activity centre at Dixton is a fine ambassador for the Wye Valley and brand Monmouth.

Myself? I think the only difference between Monmouth's golden girls Kate Humble and Sue Symonds, is that Sue doesn't live with a BAFTA award-winning TV producer.

(Name and address supplied)