SIR,

Proposals have been submitted for ribbon development at the east of Llandogo on fertile agricultural land on both sides of the A466.

I have to pinch myself to realise that this development is a serious consideration. Firstly, does this not contradict the concept of compact village communities as we have known for centuries?

Further, the Lower Wye Valley as we know is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, such proposals to develop will destroy that which it is famous for – high and low level views of the river and hillsides.

What would William Wordsworth have thought?

Compared with other villages administered by Trellech Community Council, Llandogo has had more than its fair share of low-cost housing in post-war years to the present, including four as recently as 2011.

Apart from this there are many other considerations, such as local employment; access to emergency services; overloaded sewerage scheme; limited public transport; the village school at near capacity; destruction of wildlife habitats – the list goes on.

Low cost housing is a major requirement, I realise, but at what cost? Better to create employment and housing as a package. Is this called joined-up thinking?

Any representation, objections or comments relating to this urbanisation of the Lower Wye Valley have to be made to The Development Plans Manager, PO Box 133, Monmouthshire County Council, Cwmbran NP44 9BX, before 3rd February.

Gail Reynolds

(Llandogo)