Public inquiry won't make me quit – Trump

Published on Thursday 28 February 2008 21:11

DONALD Trump yesterday made it clear he would not turn his back on Scotland, despite the Scottish Government's decision to order a public inquiry into the tycoon's controversial plan for a £1 billion golf resort development in Aberdeenshire.

The staging of the local inquiry could delay a final decision on the scheme for up to a year or more, according to planning experts.

Mr Trump had originally hoped to begin construction work at the Menie Estate site near Balmedie early this year, but his organisation emphasised last night that he is now resolved to see the planning process through to the end.

George Sorial, the Trump Organisation's managing director of international development and Mr Trump's right-hand man, said the decision to hold an inquiry was disappointing, but Mr Trump was no quitter.

The company, he said, would have preferred if a final decision on the development had been made through written submissions and it was anxious about the potential timescale.

He added: "Our commitment remains unwavering. Mr Trump has carefully deliberated over the next steps. He is not a quitter and has decided that, given the positive feedback and overwhelming support he has received from the people of Scotland, he will continue to work with everyone involved to turn his plans into reality.

"This is a regrettable setback but we are not going to give up when the prize for Scotland is so important.

"It is his legacy for Scotland and he remains committed to building the world's finest golf course in one of the most stunning locations in the world.

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Scottish Government ministers called in the application after it was rejected by Aberdeenshire councillors last year. Opponents of the scheme were quick to point out that, had Trump appealed the authority's vote in December, a planning inquiry would now be closer.

Mickey Foote, a spokesman for the Sustainable Aberdeenshire group, said: "This is what we hoped for and what we thought was the best way of openly and transparently discussing the issues.

"(Mr Trump] was not going to appeal or modify his plans. (The Trump Organisation has] caused their own delay, as far I can see."

He added: "We have seen no movement from the Trump Organisation and we look forward to (Mr Trump] making some significant modifications or walking away."

Announcing the decision to hold a local public inquiry, John Swinney, the finance secretary, said: "Given the nature of the application and the considerable public interest, it is important that the process to examine the issues is as efficient, transparent and inclusive as possible.

"I have now asked the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals to convene an early meeting of the parties to inform the preparation of a definitive timetable for handling the case.

"I am determined there should be no unnecessary delay in considering this application."

Rita Stephen, development manager of the Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Forum, said: "We hope the inquiry can be as streamlined as possible so a decision can be made quickly."