Developers could influence planning decisions under new Council powers, according to the Alliance Party.

Currently councillors - who have inherited greater planning powers under local government reform - do not have to reveal if their parties receive donations from property developers.

However it seems Alliance is in the minority when it comes to closing the loophole, with the DUP, UUP and SDLP rejecting calls for a more transparent process as recent as last month.

Led by Councillor Michael Long and Councillor Andrew Muir, from now on Alliance Councillors will publish donations obtained from property developers and go further by declaring any donations when tasked with making planning-related decisions.

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Councillor Michael Long said: "Alliance has had to continually fight for a fairer, more open and transparent system and will continue to do so going forward in this new era of local government.

"It is quite clear others, especially the DUP and UUP, are keen to keep the issue of political donations. Why else would those parties block attempts to bring politics out from behind closed doors? As recent as last month they succeeded, along with the SDLP, in blocking greater transparency in Ards and North Down. Clearly they have something to hide.

"Going forward Alliance will publish all donations from property developers and make these donations clear during crucial planning decisions. Our motives will always be based on what is best for the entire community, not the easiest way to line our pockets."

(CD/MH)