Planners attacked over ‘bias’ for Trump support
Backing for scheme lacked ‘credibility’
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COUNCIL planners were today accused of "bias" in supporting Donald Trump's £1 billion Balmedie golf resort plan.
A public inquiry was told that their recommendation to back the scheme lacked “credibility”.
The American tycoon wants to build 500 houses to help finance the resort, which would include two courses and a hotel.
But John Agnew, representing Sustainable Aberdeenshire, said it was “difficult to accept” the need for housing.
He said: “This is of no assistance of credibility of the position of council officers ... because they assumed their position in support of the 500 houses in the absence of any financial evidence to support their position.
“In my submission this amounted to bias arising from a fear that the development may not proceed without consent for the houses.”
The plan was called in for a ruling by the Scottish Government after being thrown out by the council's infrastructure services committee last November.
The resort is predicted to generate £50 million a year for the economy.
Planners said the economic benefits justified departing from planning policy, which presumes against development on the Menie Estate.
Trump development director George Sorial rejected the accusation. He said: “The planners at Aberdeenshire Council should be commended for the professional and efficiency they demonstrated prior to making their recommendation.”
Committee chairman Councillor Martin Ford criticised the plans to build the main course on the sand dunes – a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
He said: “We cannot preach to others about preserving rainforest ... if we do not look after our own environmental capital. We do not accept Mr Trump's ludicrous claim ... that he can improve on nature.”
Mr Trump had argued that a tenth of the SSSI was needed to make the course the “world's best”.
His right-hand man Mr Sorial said: “What's really ludicrous is that councillors continue to disregard the screaming voice by people that this project should get underway.”
