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Trump gets OPP for £1billion golf resort in Aberdeenshire
Donald Trump's £1bn golf resort plans for the Aberdeenshire coast have been approved.
Trump can now develop the 1,400 acre beachside site into two championship golf resorts, a five star hotel, 950 time share properties and 450 houses..
The plan was called in by the Scottish Government after it was rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee.
Finance Secretary John Swinney backed it after a public local inquiry. However, opponents of the project were angry at the news.
Mr Swinney said outline planning permission was being granted - and that the significant economic and social benefit of the project was a major consideration in his decision.
He said the Trump Organisation would need to make sure sand dunes and wildlife on the estate at Menie were properly protected.
Mr Swinney has also ordered that no more than 500 private homes be built.
Mr Trump said: "We are greatly honoured by the positive decision and believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product.
"It will be a tremendous asset and source of pride for both Aberdeenshire and Scotland for many generations.
"I would like to personally thank the thousands of people and organisations who have supported us throughout this process. As I have often said, because of the quality of the land we are given to work with, we will build the greatest golf course in the world."
Welcoming the decision, Aberdeenshire Council leader Anne Robertson said: "I truly believe a development of this type will bring significant benefits to the area, particularly in terms of jobs and tourism.
"Before the development can proceed further applications, which contain the full details of all of the elements of the proposal, will have to be submitted to, and approved by, Aberdeenshire Council."
Ken Massie, Visit Scotland's regional director for Aberdeen and Grampian, said: "We welcome the decision as the development will make a significant impact on the economy."
Rob Ashlin of the Sustainable Aberdeenshire group, which opposed the development, said: "I think this is a damning verdict.
"Donald Trump is not just planning a recreational facility, it is a huge housing development that goes against Aberdeenshire Council's planning policy.
"It's very disappointing."
Trump can now develop the 1,400 acre beachside site into two championship golf resorts, a five star hotel, 950 time share properties and 450 houses..
The plan was called in by the Scottish Government after it was rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee.
Finance Secretary John Swinney backed it after a public local inquiry. However, opponents of the project were angry at the news.
Mr Swinney said outline planning permission was being granted - and that the significant economic and social benefit of the project was a major consideration in his decision.
He said the Trump Organisation would need to make sure sand dunes and wildlife on the estate at Menie were properly protected.
Mr Swinney has also ordered that no more than 500 private homes be built.
Mr Trump said: "We are greatly honoured by the positive decision and believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product.
"It will be a tremendous asset and source of pride for both Aberdeenshire and Scotland for many generations.
"I would like to personally thank the thousands of people and organisations who have supported us throughout this process. As I have often said, because of the quality of the land we are given to work with, we will build the greatest golf course in the world."
Welcoming the decision, Aberdeenshire Council leader Anne Robertson said: "I truly believe a development of this type will bring significant benefits to the area, particularly in terms of jobs and tourism.
"Before the development can proceed further applications, which contain the full details of all of the elements of the proposal, will have to be submitted to, and approved by, Aberdeenshire Council."
Ken Massie, Visit Scotland's regional director for Aberdeen and Grampian, said: "We welcome the decision as the development will make a significant impact on the economy."
Rob Ashlin of the Sustainable Aberdeenshire group, which opposed the development, said: "I think this is a damning verdict.
"Donald Trump is not just planning a recreational facility, it is a huge housing development that goes against Aberdeenshire Council's planning policy.
"It's very disappointing."
Mon, 3rd Nov 2008