Jamie Ross
Businessman Donald Trump could be given the go-ahead to build a permanent clubhouse at his north-east golf resort today.
The proposals have been backed by local authority planners – but still need to win approval from members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine area committee.
They will vote on his scheme to replace the temporary clubhouse at Trump International Golf Links when they meet this morning.
Sited between the first hole’s tee and the green of the 18th, the granite clubhouse would cover about 5000sq ft and be built in the style of the Menie estate’s B-listed MacLeod House.
The clubhouse would include a long terrace with panoramic views over the championship course.
In its design statement, Trump International says: “The proposed clubhouse is designed in response to the ongoing requirements and feedback from visitors and professionals.”
The statement added: “The Trump Organisation remains fully committed to ensuring the course and facilities built to date operate to their full potential.”
Meanwhile, it is still unclear whether Mr Trump will pursue his original plan to further develop the Menie resort with a hotel and housing.
Trump International has said this is “currently on hold” until the “threat” of a wind turbine development in Aberdeen Bay, which the course overlooks, is removed.
Today, councillors will hear about seven objections Aberdeenshire Council planners have received from members of the public who are opposed to the clubhouse being built.
Stephen Archer, head of infrastructure services at the local authority, says in a report to councillors that these include fears over the viability of a permanent clubhouse and a lack of a waste management plan.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has also objected to the plan, saying that the waste water drainage proposals are lacking in detail.
Planners have said that the build would meet their standards subject to the drainage issue being resolved.
Mr Archer’s report says: “The proposal will result in a high quality design which will not have an unacceptable impact on the character of the landscape or on residential amenity.”