Trump amending golf resort plans

The sand dunes are a site of special scientific interest

The Trump Organisation has made changes to its plans for a £1bn golf resort near Aberdeen.

US billionaire Donald Trump's team said it was to take account of the environmental impact on sand dunes.

A public local inquiry is to take place next month into the plans for the golf resort at Balmedie, north of Aberdeen.

Conservation bodies have opposed the golf course being built in the area, which is designated a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

The revised application - which would reduce the amount of stabilisation required to secure the sand dunes - has been submitted to the reporters who will be conducting the inquiry, ahead of a ministerial decision.

'Merely tweaked'

An RSPB Scotland spokesman welcomed the change, but described it as a "tweak" to the original plans.

He said: "We've said all along that Mr Trump shouldn't aim to develop the sand dunes in the SSSI, and these alterations are merely a tweak which doesn't change the substantial damage this development would cause."

The spokesman claimed if Mr Trump's plans were really taking account of environmental impacts, they would be altered so as not to harm a protected site.

US tycoon Mr Trump, who is behind the plans for the Menie estate complex, wants to build two championship golf courses, 950 holiday homes, 36 golf villas and 500 private homes.

Environmental groups and local campaigners have criticised the project, while many leading business figures backed it.

Last year, Scottish Government ministers decided to have the final say on the application, lodged with Aberdeenshire Council, after it was narrowly rejected by councillors.