• Trump's £1bn golf resort approved


    05 November 2008

    Donald Trump has said he is "greatly honoured" his £1bn golf resort plan in Aberdeenshire has been approved, but opponents expressed disappointment.

    US tycoon Mr Trump's plan to build two golf courses, as well as hundreds of homes, at Menie has caused business and environmental division for two years.

    The plan was called in by the Scottish Government after it was rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee.

    Finance Secretary John Swinney has backed it after a public local inquiry.

    First Minister Alex Salmond also hailed the news, citing 6,000 possible jobs.

    Donald Trump on the golf resort decision

    However, opponents of the project, such as RSPB Scotland, 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.

Add a Review/Comment