A south Antrim assemblyman has warned planners of the dangers posed to Northern Ireland's hamlets by developers.

Ulster Unionister Danny Kinahan called for senior planners to "stop and think" before they allow developers to "destroy the integrity" of small rural areas.

Citing the village of Dunadry, in his constituency, the MLA said: "From a 1989 Area Plan which identified 5 hectares with potential for some 30 dwellings, in 2009 we find ourselves with 229 new builds - a leap of epic proportions."

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He continued: "Dunadry has exploded in size and is now flooded with new-build apartments and townhouses. Meanwhile, the applications for yet more keep flooding in."

Mr Kinahan warned the "very essence of our communities will continue to be eroded".

He claimed planners "appear to flout their own guidelines".

"While on one hand citing their responsibility to keep the character of the area, they continue to nod through plans which have resulted in densely crowded developments which are out of kilter with their surroundings."

Mr Kinahan said he would contact Environment Minister Edwin Poots to ask what action is being taken on the matter.

"If the planners cannot curtail the urbanizing of this beautiful hamlet, then who can?" he asked.

(PR/KMcA)