Blacklist threat to Trump golf plan
‘Menie could lose its protected status’
Published:
A PUBLIC-FUNDED government environmental group has threatened not to work with Donald Trump on his Balmedie golf plans.
Scottish Natural Heritage policy manager Stewart Angus also told the golf resort public inquiry the site could lose its protected status.
Today the Trump Organisation said it was “outrageous” that SNH was not prepared to co-operate for the good of the environment if the plan was approved.
Trump development director George Sorial said his organisation had stressed its willingness to take a partnership approach – and had been led to believe SNH would do the same. He described Mr Angus’s position “unacceptable”.
Mr Sorial said: “To say they are not willing to commit to working with any developer is outrageous.
“They are a public-funded body that has an obligation to.
“We have agreed to disagree on some issues, but it is for Ministers to decide what happens with the plan. When it comes down to it, we all have to live with it.”
Donald Trump’s proposal includes two golf courses, a hotel, 500 houses and 950 homes for the Menie Estate near Balmedie.
He wants to build his main course on the shifting sand dunes – a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Objectors include SNH, a Government body which looks after the natural landscape.
Its website states: “Much of our work is done in partnership with others – local authorities, Government bodies, businesses, community groups, farmers and other land managers, and a wide range of representative bodies.”
SNH was established through the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 and is funded by Government.
Its role is to “secure the conservation and enhancement of Scotland’s natural heritage”.
Mr Angus told the public inquiry that SNH would “have to consider the denotification” of the SSSI if the Government gave the Trump scheme the go ahead.
And he refused to commit his organisation to offering help and advice if it did.
He said: “We would really have to look very closely at the value gained by getting involved. All I’m committing SNH to do is review the situation in regards to its SSSI status should approval be granted.”
Mr Angus warned the course “will fragment and disrupt ecological processes over the golf course's entire footprint on the dunes”.
He said: “Stabilisation of bare and mobile sand will have a very serious impact on the condition of dune habitat, within and outwith the SSSI. When the processes are seriously disrupted by this stabilisation, overall biological interest will be very seriously compromised.”
The Trump Organisation has argued that only one tenth of the SSSI will be affected.
Aberdeenshire Council planners recommended backing the scheme – which would create more than 1,000 jobs and generate £50 million for the economy every year – because of the wider benefits
Another SNH witness dismissed claims that sand dunes could blow away in a severe storm away as “rubbish”. Dr Jim Hansom, of Glasgow University, said: “The dunes will not be blown away by major storms.”
Dr Hansom said the plan would result in the “destruction” of the dynamic nature of the sand system, described by him as a “jewel in the crown” within the UK.
He said: “The proposed development of the southern part of the Menie SSSI requires the wholesale stabilisation of the bare sand dune surface and arrest of the dynamic processes that give rise to them.
“The processes and the resulting landforms recognised as being of exceptional quality and extent, at a scale of development not seen elsewhere in Great Britain.”
Dr Hansom added: “This golf course does not fit in with its surrounding. In some locations there are biblical amounts of sand to be shifted around.”
But Mr Sorial said: “A famine is a biblical disaster – not shifting sand.”
Readers' Comments
Well here we go again, politicians and public representatives going 'gung ho' and doing what the 'Dickens' they like. When will these people listen to the voice of the public? Its an embarassing disgrace that they open their 'clap-traps' and make incredible statements of intent according to their views. When will these people ever realsie that they must seek guidance and views form the very people that they are supposed to be representing. Just like the so-called Aberdeenshire Infustructure Committee, they must be called to account for their outrageous comments...AND BE SACKED. People in service listen to the public and if they make that decision then fine, but don't bring down our beloved Country anymore than you already have.
Gavin Wilson
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There was NO threat or blacklist mentioned at the Inquiry yesterday, Stewart Angus only said he could not say at this stage whether SNH would be in a position to help and advise the Trump Org. He did not say that SNH would refuse to cooperate. The headline is spurious and only goes to wind up misinformed people and deny them the truth!
Sue Edwards
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Stewart Angus had better remember who pays his wages. The last time I looked the Government was funded by the tax payer and the vast majority support this scheme so Mr Angus better put up or shut up or else he'll be removed from his employment like a lot of others.
Sandy Milne
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Well if ever there was a case of dummy being thrown out of pram, why are taxpayers funding the salaries of people like Stewart Angus. Anyone who uses their position to blackmail should be dismissed immediately. I said previously that SNH were eco-terrorists, their behaivour at this inquiry confirms that.
Abbie Mann
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Just a thought but if they did proceed with “have to consider the denotification” doesn't that make a mockery of all the brooha they have spouted at the importance of this site. If this site can be detonified that easily then it surely doesn't carry the importance they have attached to it.
Abbie Mann
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The golf course should not be spoiled and that is the main thing here. Obviously a lot of people are angry that they arent seeing the progress that they wish. But it will all come out in the wash as they say!!
fiona hardie
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Welcome back Fiona! Hope you had a nice holiday, and weather was decent. I did get some pictures of the dunes via a link from David. They are much more extensive than I remember. I do hope a compromise from both sides could be reached, for the future benefits to all concerned, yet still preserving the area.
Linda J. McArtney
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A compromise is all that most people are asking for. Unfortunately the Trump Organisation do not appear to be willing to make any. That is a form of blackmail and is consistent with the way they have acted to date. As for the meeting the report above is innaccurate. No mention of black mail was made and as for denotification that would only have to be done after the Trump organisation had stabilised the sand and so taken away the reason for it being listed in the first place. Those who are still talking about the vast majority being for this destructive and damaging development, please ask around and you will find that the more people know the less they like this uneconomic housing development.
David Milne
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