Donald Trump gets go-ahead for 25ft Turnberry fountain

Donald Trump has been given the go-ahead to erect a 25ft fountain at Turnberry. Picture: AP

The US tycoon won a battle to erect the 25ft monument despite concerns that it was too big and out of keeping with the upmarket resort.

The billionaire is to demolish the resort’s current water feature at the entrance to the five-star hotel. In its place will stand a new fountain boasting lions, big cats and an ancient Centurion on top riding the chariot.

Trump, 69, has already erected a smaller, 13ft fountain at his new £5 million clubhouse at the course.

Plans for the fountain. Picture: Contributed

The hotel version, a massive 40 feet in diameter, will weigh in at double the size and is expected to cost more than £100,000.

Planning officials at South Ayrshire Council said they had concerns about the design of the fountain but approved it after ruling that Trump had the right to build it as owner of the resort.

In a written report, they said: “Listed building consent is sought for the demolition of fountain and associated hard landscaping and erection of fountain at Turnberry Hotel.

“The Planning Authority is duty bound to consider the impact of the proposal in the setting of the Listed Building. The courtyard elevation is an important aspect of the building’s setting as it acts as the main entrance point to the hotel.

“When viewed from the east, the fountain will impact on the setting of the listed building given its height and proximity to the hotel. There are some concerns that the fountain is excessive in height and has no contextual reference to the architectural style of listed hotel.

“However, it is considered that the development is reversible and will not directly impact on the fabric of the main hotel building. Given the above, and having balanced the rights of the applicant against the general interest, it is recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions.”

Fountains have become a signature feature of the Trump empire and are sited at many of his top venues across the globe.

It is being made by Florida-based firm Bernardi USA who have previously designed fountains for Trump’s other resorts.

Trump, who is currently running for US President, bought the iconic golf course and hotel last year and pledged to spend a minimum of £100m on renovations.

He immediately renamed the resort in South Ayrshire Trump Turnberry after buying it for an undisclosed sum from the Dubai-based group, Leisurecorp, and said he was determined to make it “the finest resort of its kind anywhere in the world.”