This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7700074.stm

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Trump's £1bn golf resort approved Trump's £1bn golf resort approved
(20 minutes later)
US tycoon Donald Trump's controversial £1bn golf resort plans for the Aberdeenshire coast have been approved. US tycoon Donald Trump's £1bn golf resort plans for the Aberdeenshire coast have been approved.
Mr Trump's plan to build a resort featuring two golf courses, as well as homes at Menie, has caused business and environmental division for two years. Mr Trump's plan to build a resort featuring two golf courses, as well as homes, at Menie has caused business and environmental division for two years.
The plan was called in by the Scottish Government after an Aberdeenshire Council committee rejected it. The plan was called in by the Scottish Government after it was rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee.
Finance Secretary John Swinney backed it after a public local inquiry. Mr Trump said he was "greatly honoured".Finance Secretary John Swinney backed it after a public local inquiry. Mr Trump said he was "greatly honoured".
First Minister Alex Salmond also hailed the news.First Minister Alex Salmond also hailed the news.
'Tremendous asset' We believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product. It will be a tremendous asset Donald Trump
Many business leaders have backed the plans. Mr Swinney said outline planning permission was being granted - and that the significant economic and social benefit of the project was a major consideration in his decision.
However, groups including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and RSPB Scotland opposed the project, due to Mr Trump's plans to build part of a course on sensitive sand dunes. He said the Trump Organisation would need to make sure sand dunes and wildlife on the estate at Menie were properly protected.
Mr Swinney has also ordered that no more than 500 private homes be built.
Mr Trump said: "We are greatly honoured by the positive decision and believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product.Mr Trump said: "We are greatly honoured by the positive decision and believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product.
"It will be a tremendous asset and source of pride for both Aberdeenshire and Scotland for many generations."It will be a tremendous asset and source of pride for both Aberdeenshire and Scotland for many generations.
"I would like to personally thank the thousands of people and organisations who have supported us throughout this process. As I have often said, because of the quality of the land we are given to work with, we will build the greatest golf course in the world.""I would like to personally thank the thousands of people and organisations who have supported us throughout this process. As I have often said, because of the quality of the land we are given to work with, we will build the greatest golf course in the world."
Mr Swinney had committed on 15 October to make a final decision within 28 days of receiving the inquiry report, which was a deadline of on, or before, 12 November. Many business leaders have backed the plans.
However, groups including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and RSPB Scotland opposed the project, due to Mr Trump's plans to build part of a course on sensitive sand dunes.