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A group of residents campaigning for the retention of forest in Islandmagee outside Larne have spoken of their “disappointment at the lack of engagement”from Mid and East Antrim councillors during consideration of an application for a new primary school in Islandmagee.

The residents are concerned that clearance of a wooded site to make way for the new primary school at Kilcairn, Low Road, could result in the loss of hundreds of conifer and spruce trees.

A new building for a 145-pupil school for Islandmagee Primary was given the go-ahead at a meeting of the council’s Planning Committee last month.

A statement issued on behalf of the group said: “We became fully involved in the public consultation process which took place in September 2020. We submitted our concerns and questions firstly to the developers and later to the Mid and East Antrim Council planners.

“The Planning Committee meeting was our opportunity to have our questions and concerns acknowledged and responded to.

Islandmagee residents raise concern over potential loss of hundreds of trees