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Trump golf resort given backing | |
(about 12 hours later) | |
Plans for a £1bn golf resort at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire have been backed by councillors. | |
The controversial resort project, put together by US tycoon Donald Trump, will still have to go to Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure committee. | |
The Trump International Links scheme includes two championship golf courses, 950 holiday homes and 36 golf villas. | |
However, campaigners say the site is an environmentally sensitive area and plan to seek a public inquiry. | |
The Formartine Area Committee meeting granted outline planning approval for the development on Tuesday evening by seven votes to four. | |
The US billionaire has said he wants to build "the world's greatest" golf attraction. | The US billionaire has said he wants to build "the world's greatest" golf attraction. |
'Long year' | 'Long year' |
Mr Trump's representative in Scotland, George Sorial, said: "It's been a long year - we've put a lot of work, effort and attention into this project. | |
"Our team has done an excellent job of very being responsive and presenting the application in a thorough and comprehensive manner." | |
Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Geoff Runcie said he was very pleased the application had received support. | |
Areas such as this are a vital part of our environment that should be protected RSPB Scotland | |
He said: "The scale of the economic prize resulting from this investment fits well within the region's economic ambitions. | |
"Of significant importance is the employment upside, bringing a wide range of new jobs to Aberdeenshire not only in the construction phase but in the longer-term support of the tourism and leisure elements of the development." | |
However, environmentalists and some local residents claim the resort will destroy the landscape. | However, environmentalists and some local residents claim the resort will destroy the landscape. |
RSPB Scotland, which objected to the plan, condemned the move. | |
A spokesman said: "Whilst we hope that Scotland continues to offer and promote the best golf courses in the world, areas such as this are a vital part of our environment that should be protected for the benefit of wildlife and people for generations to come. | |
"We hope the infrastructure committee will not support this decision." | |
The plan may also be examined by Scottish ministers before it gets a final go-ahead. |