Donald Trump faces Scottish wrath over plans for new luxury village

President Donald Trump speaks during a reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Already attracting expression of interests from across the globe, the £150 million phased project proposes to build a mix of luxury housing, including 50 hotel cottages, a gym, equestrian centre, shops and offices at the Menie estate near Balmedie, Aberdeenshire.

But now it is now open to public comment on Aberdeenshire Council’s website, the plans can now be seen in full and will now be the subject of consultation, with the council considering objections and letters of support.

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It is predicted the development on the Trump International Golf Links would bring about 2,000 jobs during construction, almost 300 full-time posts and contribute £250 million to the region.

Over the longer term, the proposed development will “add 268 jobs and £29 million of output to the Scottish economy” according to the economic report published along with the planning documents.

The report adds: “Most of this will be captured within Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire where an additional 244 jobs and £25 million of output will be sustained.”

The development won approval in 2008 and the first phase is now complete - that being the world-renowned championship links golf course, permanent clubhouse with restaurant, shop, lounge and bar and five-star country house hotel and lodge.

Blaming the “challenging” investment environment for the 10-year delay in lodging the phase two plans, the report said: “Market prospects today are very different compared to conditions a decade ago.

“However, the proposed development remains on course to deliver the significant economic benefits originally envisaged. It is in the interests of the regional economy that this development proceeds, irrespective of wider economic changes.”

If the plans are agreed, it would pave the way for the section 75 developer’s obligation package, which includes £500,000 of community facilities.

A detailed Section 75 agreement, which obliges developers to make financial contributions to local infrastructure, was struck between Aberdeenshire Council and Trump International Golf Links when the development won approval in 2008.

The deal was understood to have also covered the building of 98 affordable homes and the provision of a primary school for a maximum of 225 pupils.

A Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) report published this year revealed the dunes had been “partially destroyed” by the golf course.

A spokeswoman said last night: “We will continue to provide appropriate advice to the local planning authority on this development.”

For more information, visit the council’s website at https://upa.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=PCEYTVCA04U00

The first objection, from an Aberdeen resident, was submitted within minutes of the application going live.

It reads: “I object to this development of this fragile spot.

“It has already had too much human interference.

“Aberdeen is awash with building sites and there is no need for the destruction of the fragile environment.

“I also doubt that any proposed job creation will live up to this proposal.”