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Trump inquiry holds first meeting Inquiry date set for Trump plans
(about 2 hours later)
The first stage of a public inquiry into Donald Trump's controversial plans for a £1bn golf development is getting under way in Aberdeen. The public inquiry into Donald Trump's controversial plans for a £1bn golf resort in Aberdeenshire is to start on 10 June.
The pre-inquiry meeting will identify the main issues for the inquiry, the likely participants and the scope and sequence of evidence. A special hearing in Aberdeen was told it is likely to last three weeks.
It will also set a duration and a start date for the inquiry, which is likely to begin in the second half of June. The Trump Organisation and Scottish business leaders have called for a speedy inquiry, followed by a swift final decision.
However, environmental groups have demanded a comprehensive investigation of the issues.
Mr Trump wants to build a golf resort on the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire.Mr Trump wants to build a golf resort on the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire.
The planning application was rejected by the local council last year, but was later called in by the Scottish Government.The planning application was rejected by the local council last year, but was later called in by the Scottish Government.
Championship courses To restore confidence this public inquiry must be comprehensive and beyond reproach Patrick HarvieScottish Green Party
Last month, Finance Secretary John Swinney said there was to be a public inquiry "given the nature of the application and the considerable public interest".Last month, Finance Secretary John Swinney said there was to be a public inquiry "given the nature of the application and the considerable public interest".
The Trump Organisation said the decision was a "regrettable setback" but that it would not be pulling out.The Trump Organisation said the decision was a "regrettable setback" but that it would not be pulling out.
However, Mr Trump has warned that if the process took too long he would "have no choice but to go some place else". However, Mr Trump warned that if the process took too long he would "have no choice but to go some place else".
The application includes two championship golf courses and a five-star hotel on the Menie Estate.The application includes two championship golf courses and a five-star hotel on the Menie Estate.
Mr Trump's spokesman, George Sorial, said the organisation welcomed the preliminary hearing as it would give it the opportunity to fully outline the benefits of the proposal.Mr Trump's spokesman, George Sorial, said the organisation welcomed the preliminary hearing as it would give it the opportunity to fully outline the benefits of the proposal.
Environmental groupsEnvironmental groups
He said: "Despite the support of the overwhelming majority of local people, there will always be those who have set their faces against this progressive and beneficial project and will refuse to back it. That's their right.He said: "Despite the support of the overwhelming majority of local people, there will always be those who have set their faces against this progressive and beneficial project and will refuse to back it. That's their right.
"But it's crucial that the size of this small but vociferous group of objectors is kept in perspective.""But it's crucial that the size of this small but vociferous group of objectors is kept in perspective."
The plans have attracted opposition from environmental groups, with RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust intending to give evidence jointly at the inquiry. Green MSP Patrick Harvie said: "We're pleased to see the inquiry into the Trump plans begin, and remain hopeful that the inquiry team will listen carefully to all sides of the debate about this project".
However, he added that he was disappointed at the Trump Organisation's arrogance and disregard for the democratic planning process.
"To restore confidence this public inquiry must be comprehensive and beyond reproach," he said.
The plans have attracted opposition from a number of groups with RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust intending to give evidence jointly at the inquiry.
The inquiry will be conducted by James McCulloch, Scotland's most experienced planning inquiry reporter.The inquiry will be conducted by James McCulloch, Scotland's most experienced planning inquiry reporter.
The Trump Organisation will be represented by the former lord advocate, Lord Colin Boyd.The Trump Organisation will be represented by the former lord advocate, Lord Colin Boyd.