Trump Inquiry Ready To Tee Off

There is still a possibility of a major international scale golf development in Co Antrim.

Even though the planning inquiry into US tycoon Donald Trump's plans to build a £1bn golf resort in Scotland is to begin on 10 June - it is known that in the event that the proposals fail, Mr Trump has already looked over four potential locations for the complex in Northern Ireland.

He has also met First Minister, Dr Ian Paisley to discuss the issue in the USA earlier this year.

The Trump Organisation are expected to call up to 10 witnesses to give evidence on environmental issues and the economic case for the development, with one possible witness coming from within the Trump Organisation itself. It is not clear, however, if this means Mr Trump is to appear.

"Lets just see how things go in the next month or two," said George Sorial, one of Mr Trump's closest advisors.

"We are happy that the process has started and we are very much looking forward to 10 June. It would appear that we will have a tight, well-structured inquiry which will focus on the real issues. This should then allow for a faster decision-making process.

"We will prepare diligently for the public local inquiry, when we will be able to put forward a case that supports our application and underlines why Aberdeenshire and, indeed, Scotland cannot afford to lose this development."

The proposed development would be built on a 1400-acre stretch of spectacular sand dunes at Balmedie Beach on Menie Estate. Features would include two championship golf courses, a five star hotel, golf lodges and 950 holiday homes.

James McCulloch, Scotland's most experienced planning inquiry reporter, will conduct the inquiry.

According to Mr McCulloch, the inquiry will focus on the main issues surrounding the project - the proposal to site part of the main championship golf course on sand dunes which are designated as a site of special scientific interest, the housing element of the plan, the financial case for the development and public access to the site.

Former lord advocate, Lord Colin Boyd, will represent the Trump Organisation.

The furore over the plans have rumbled on for many months, with Mr Trump claiming that the controversy is posing a serious threat to the potential for Scotland to attract major outside investment.

"I have one of the most popular developments in Scotland and yet we can't seem to get it approved,” he said. "The sad part is, it is telling people not to invest in Scotland."

See: Scottish Executive To Consider Trump Golf Links

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