Government representatives have joined local residents in calling to save 36 protected trees in Seahill.

An application is being considered by Ards and North Down Borough Council to fell the trees.

Green Party NI North Down MLA Rachel Woods has written to the Council expressing concern about the proposals and asking them to reject the application.

"Unfortunately, consideration does not have to be given to objections or comments when councils receive applications for works to protected trees," said MLA Woods. "We have major problems in our planning system, which I have continually called on the Executive to fix, but calls for reform have been met with inaction. It's time for our planning system to change, to enable sustainable development and the protection of our environment. Planning must also be open and transparent, with equal rights of appeal, ensuring that residents' voices are heard."

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Holywood and Clandeboye Councillor, Lauren Kendall, added: "Local residents have come out in support of retaining the trees by raising objections with the Council.

"It is a key failing of planning legislation that decision-making rests solely on the decision of officers and that public participation is not part of the process. The process needs transparency. There is no requirement to notify neighbours, or local communities nor opportunity for them to engage. People want to protect their trees and should have opportunity to do so. We are in a biodiversity crisis and every tree matters.

"I am submitting a motion at Council alongside my Green Party NI colleagues, calling for greater transparency in respect of reporting on, and applications for works to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), in line with Council's recently agreed Tree Strategy."