'Money doesn't talk it swears' Bob Dylan
Donald Trump’s plans for a golf course in the north-east have been given the go-ahead by councillors.
Work will finally get under way later this week on the £750million project at the Menie Estate near Balmedie.
Trump representatives held immediate discussions with their construction team after Formartine councillors voted eight to one yesterday to approve the golf course development.
Speaking from his New York home last night, Mr Trump said this was the news he had been waiting for.
George Sorial, the billionaire’s head of international development, said after the committee meeting: “It’s a momentous day for the Trump Organisation, the north-east and Scotland.
Mr Sorial confirmed work would get under way on the championship course tomorrow and, weather permitting, construction would take 18 months.
“We are very grateful to those who have supported the project from day one,” he added.
The application from Trump International Golf Links Scotland attracted several letters of objection.
The organisation was seeking approval for the course, a driving range, short game area, putting green and turf nursery.
A report before councillors said the proposal did not include any buildings associated with the golf course. Detailed applications for these would be made in line with the requirements of the outline consent.
Planning official Sonya Galloway said a financial bond – a pot of money to restore the site if the work did not go ahead, or was incomplete – had been agreed with the developer. She added: “Abandonment is inconceivable.”
Mid Formartine councillor Jim Gifford said he would be happier to see a bond remaining in place until everything had been completed.
Local councillor Rob Merson told the meeting at Ellon it was disappointing to see objections “continuing to be rehearsed”.
Long-standing critic of the Menie project Debra Storr opposed the application.
She maintained the proposals did not represent a minor departure from local plan policies, and would not conform with the conditions of the original permission.
Committee chairman councillor John Loveday said the course would not be playable for possibly two to three years, and it had to come before the rest of the development. He added: “Let’s get on with this. It needs to be pushed on.”Approval is subject to several conditions, which planners will oversee, including investigating the extension of the lifespan of the financial bond.
Mr Trump’s proposals for two courses, 500 houses, 950 holiday homes and a five-star hotel were initially rejected by Aberdeenshire Council.
They were later called in by the Scottish Government, which approved them after a public inquiry.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed a police investigation into vandalism at Menie Estate has ended. Damage running to £50,000 was caused when marram grass was pulled out and fencing at the site torn down. A police spokesman said no one had been reported to the procurator fiscal or charged in connection with the incidents.
Press & Journal:30-6-10
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