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Decision due on Trump golf plan Trump golf resort given backing
(about 12 hours later)
Plans for a £1bn golf and housing development in Aberdeenshire go before councillors on Tuesday evening. Plans for a £1bn golf resort at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire have been backed by councillors.
The resort project has been put together by US tycoon Donald Trump and has proved highly controversial. 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 at the Menie Estate. 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 the decision could be close. 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: "We're feeling very good. 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.
"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."
"Our team has done an excellent job of very being responsive and presenting the application in a thorough and comprehensive manner, so I'm encouraged and feel good and look forward to today's events." 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.
They held a protest march at the weekend and plan to seek a judicial review if the Formartine Area Committee meeting approves the development. RSPB Scotland, which objected to the plan, condemned the move.
Mr Trump will consider his options, including a possible appeal, if the decision goes the other way. 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.