SIR, I can make no apologies for returning once again to the issue of the housing and employment development plans for the Wonastow Road. The developers, in this case David Wilson Homes, have made their third attempt to produce a Drainage Strategy for this land, and it is clear that their own Engineering consultants, this time FMW Consultancy Ltd, are themselves seriously concerned about the nature of the ground, as they attempt once more to square the circle of how to build on shifting sands, or in this case, gravel, and fulfill their brief. The geotechnical engineer highlights the difficulties caused by the shallow presence of artesian water, and warns specifically against query; 'Please advise on depth of gravel in pond location'. It is no deeper than 1.0m. And, the pond depth has to be 800mm at its eastern end rising to 1800mm at its western point, and must leave a 300mm clay plug. Now I am no engineer, but reading between these lines, and noting how they exactly mirror the dangers that have been persistently voiced to George Ashworth, the chief planner at Monmouthshire County Council, we should all be on our guard against being the unwilling victims of developers, planners and the rush-to-build politicians. No details are offered for the same amount of water containment needed for the employment area. These are vague. The answer has to be a refusal for planning by the Conservative-led planning committee, led by Councillor Ruth Edwards. After all, nothing will be lost, as the Wonastow site was sold by the land agents of the Welsh Assembly to South Wales Land Development for a fraction of its value as building land with planning consent. This was, presumably, because everyone concerned were well aware of the glaring pitfalls of the site. How else could you justify the price? This matter is still with the Welsh Auditors. The proposals are a matter of real concern to Natural Resources Wales, and are opposed also by the Lower Wye Valley Internal Drainage Board. Flooding is a threat to businesses, key services, and residents of Overmonnow, and I would argue, the whole town. Please go to the Monmouthshire county council website, take five minutes to check these facts, voice your concerns, and object online. Michael Jones (Monmouth)