Scot environment agency objects to Donald Trumps golf resort project

Scotlands main environment agency - Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) - has agency joined other conservation organisations in objecting to American billionaire Donald Trumps plan to build a one billion pound golf resort along the Aberdeenshire coast.

Edinburgh, May 31 : Scotland's main environment agency - Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) - has agency joined other conservation organisations in objecting to American billionaire Donald Trump's plan to build a one billion pound golf resort along the Aberdeenshire coast.

In a detailed response to Trump's controversial proposals, SNH has claimed that part of the golf resort development will "seriously damage" an important nature conservation site and vital sand-dune habitats.

According to Scotsman, the SNH further claims that the proposed plans for the Menie Estate would effectively destroy a third of the important natural heritage features of the Foveran Links site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

SNH, however, says that it is not opposed in principle to the development and states that a single championship golf course could be accommodated on adjacent land within the development site without causing significant impacts on the habitats within the nationally important SSSI.

The Trump Organisation, which could not be contacted for comment last night, plans to build two championship golf courses - including a course inside the SSSI, which the tycoon hopes will eventually stage the Open Championship or the Ryder Cup.

Robin Payne, SNH's area manager for Grampian, said: "This stunning site at Menie, with its huge sand dunes, is part of the largest dune system in Scotland, stretching from Newburgh to Bridge of Don.

"SSSIs are established to protect the most important 10 to 12 per cent of Scotland's natural heritage, and our duty is to have regard for that on behalf of all of Scotland's people.

"There is a common misconception that SNH makes the decision in cases such as this. I'd like to emphasise that SNH's role here is to advise Aberdeenshire Council on the impacts any proposal would have on the natural heritage."

ANI