Trump's golf course in spite of plans investigation

By Andrew Bolger, Scotland Correspondent

Published: February 29, 2008 01:19 | Last Updated: February 29, 2008 01h19

Donald Trump, on Thursday vowed to press on a controversial subject with 1 billion pounds (2 billion dollars) golf resort near Aberdeen, after learning the plans were confronted with a public inquiry amid concerns about the impact on the environment.

The real estate magnate American described the organization Scottish government's decision as "obviously disappointing", but stressed he did not want to abandon plans for the construction of two championship courses, a hotel with 450 rooms, 950 timeshare properties and 500 houses on the sea links.
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Mr. Trump One representative said: "It is not leaving and decided that, given the exceptionally high level of positive feedback and overwhelming support he has received from the people of Scotland, it will continue to work with all those involved in its turn plans into reality. "

John Swinney, Scottish secretary of finance and sustainable growth, said the complaint raises important issues should be discussed at the national level, so that it has established there should be a public inquiry under the direction of a journalist known.

The ministers "called for" the application after a committee of Aberdeenshire council unexpectedly rejected the plan, which was strongly supported by local businesses and tourism, but opposed by conservative leaders.

Alex Salmond, Prime Minister and leader of the minority Scottish National Party at Holyrood, rejected the opposition claims that he helped Mr. Trump's plans.

The public inquiry could take months, given the number of parties involved and the strength of feelings about the proposed development at Balmedie Estate, 12 miles north of Aberdeen.

George Sorial, one of the representatives of Mr. Trump, said: "Our main concern is timing. We need to know how long we will have to wait. We have already committed substantial investment in this project, and every day that passes, we lose money. Us urge the Government or the rapporteur to give us some concrete and timetables emergency procedure. "

The Trump Organization earlier threatened that it might go elsewhere - such as Northern Ireland - if the development is not wanted.

But Mr. Sorial said Thursday: "This is an unfortunate setback, but we will not give up before the finish line when the price of Scotland is so important."