US tycoon Donald Trump's £1bn golf resort plans for the Aberdeenshire coast have been approved.
Donald Trump has said he is "greatly honoured" his £1bn golf resort plan in Aberdeenshire has been approved, but opponents expressed disappointment.
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.
US tycoon Mr Trump's plan to build two golf courses, as well as hundreds of homes, at Menie has caused business and environmental division for two years.
The plan was called in by the Scottish Government after it was rejected by an Aberdeenshire Council committee.
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 has backed it after a public local inquiry.
We believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product. It will be a tremendous asset Donald Trump
We believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product. It will be a tremendous asset Donald Trump
First Minister Alex Salmond also hailed the news, citing 6,000 possible jobs.
First Minister Alex Salmond also hailed the news, citing 6,000 possible jobs.
However, opponents of the project were angry at the news.
However, opponents of the project, such as RSPB Scotland, were angry at the news.
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.
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.
He said the Trump Organisation would need to make sure sand dunes and wildlife on the estate at Menie were properly protected.
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 Swinney has also ordered that no more than 500 private homes be built.
'Greatest course'
'Greatest course'
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."Concerns have been raised over the impact on the environment
"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."Concerns have been raised over the impact on the environment
Many business leaders have backed the plans.
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.
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.
Welcoming the decision, Aberdeenshire Council leader Anne Robertson said: "I truly believe a development of this type will bring significant benefits to the area, particularly in terms of jobs and tourism.
Welcoming the decision, Aberdeenshire Council leader Anne Robertson said: "I truly believe a development of this type will bring significant benefits to the area, particularly in terms of jobs and tourism.
"Before the development can proceed further applications, which contain the full details of all of the elements of the proposal, will have to be submitted to, and approved by, Aberdeenshire Council."
"Before the development can proceed further applications, which contain the full details of all of the elements of the proposal, will have to be submitted to, and approved by, Aberdeenshire Council."
Ken Massie, VisitScotland's regional director for Aberdeen and Grampian, said: "We welcome the decision as the development will make a significant impact on the economy."
Ken Massie, VisitScotland's regional director for Aberdeen and Grampian, said: "We welcome the decision as the development will make a significant impact on the economy."
'Precious wildlife'
'Precious wildlife'
Rob Ashlin of the Sustainable Aberdeenshire group, which opposed the development, said: "I think this is a damning verdict.
Rob Ashlin of the Sustainable Aberdeenshire group, which opposed the development, said: "I think this is a damning verdict.
"Donald Trump is not just planning a recreational facility, it is a huge housing development that goes against Aberdeenshire Council's planning policy.
"Donald Trump is not just planning a recreational facility, it is a huge housing development that goes against Aberdeenshire Council's planning policy.
"It's very disappointing."
"It's very disappointing."
Aedan Smith, head of planning and development at RSPB Scotland, said: "RSPB Scotland is surprised and extremely disappointed at this decision, which we believe is wrong both for Aberdeenshire and for Scotland.
Aedan Smith, head of planning and development at RSPB Scotland, said: "RSPB Scotland is surprised and extremely disappointed at this decision, which we believe is wrong both for Aberdeenshire and for Scotland.
"The development will cause the destruction of a dune system, with its precious wildlife, on a site which is protected by law and should continue to be available for future generations to enjoy.
"The development will cause the destruction of a dune system, with its precious wildlife, on a site which is protected by law and should continue to be available for future generations to enjoy.
"We, and the thousands of other objectors, consider that this is too high a price to pay for the claimed economic benefits from this development."
"We, and the thousands of other objectors, consider that this is too high a price to pay for the claimed economic benefits from this development."
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