Trump course plans still bunkered

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Donald Trump's plans for the world's greatest golf course in Aberdeenshire have been further delayed.

The US property tycoon wants to spend £300m on the course and lavish hotel at the environmentally sensitive Menie Estate north of Aberdeen.

A spokesman for Mr Trump said an outline planning application will soon be submitted to Aberdeenshire Council.

But he said it might not be until January before a full environmental assessment is completed.

In June it was reported that bad weather had delayed Mr Trump's team from submitting the plans.

The billionaire was understood to have concerns over revised plans for a wind farm off the Aberdeen coast which may affect views.

The Scottish RSPB has already expressed concern over the impact of both planned developments.

When Mr Trump visited the proposed site of his development he expressed concern about the wind farm.

Giant turbines

"I am not thrilled - I want to see the ocean, I do not want to see windmills," he said.

The original plan envisaged a string of 33 giant turbines standing in the sea in a line.

Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) has modified the proposals, now with 23 turbines in a more compact grid design several miles south of Mr Trump's proposed development, and is due to hold more public consultations.

The RSPB say geese were among the birds at risk

AREG said objections from Mr Trump have had nothing to do with the change to the scheme.

His plans include two championship courses, a hotel and holiday homes.

The development could bring £150m to the local economy over the next decade and create 400 jobs.

RSPB Scotland said the potential environmental impacts needed to be looked at carefully.

The water off the Aberdeenshire coast plays host to thousands of birds, including geese, and the sand dunes are also seen as environmentally important.