DURING the last year or so, the company preparing to develop the new housing estate on the former Tredegar Park golf course has undertaken certain work at this site. Access to this development is extremely limited, being restricted by a railway embankment, the river Ebbw and, of course, park land.

This was a prime green belt area, but was downgraded to brownfield status some years ago. Planning permission had originally been refused for many reasons, but was overturned on appeal by a National Assembly committee of four.

What concerns me is the work that has been done. Two sturdy stone pillars have been excavated below the water level. This leads me to believe the developers wanted to establish the strength of the bridge. This very early tram road bridge had been given Grade II listed status by Cadw in 1985.

I assume Cadw were not consulted regarding this work, but planning consent should have been obtained via the local authority. The company had also assumed that this bridge and its associated tramway were a part of the Tredegar Park Golden Mile. They never were connected. Maybe the company would like to respond through your columns.

Ian Brewer, Melfort Road, Newport