David Ross
Highland Correspondent
Donald Trump is pressing ahead with his multi-million pound golf
development in Aberdeenshire despite having vowed not to “invest another
penny” until plans for a nearby offshore wind farm were abandoned.
According to the American tycoon the primary developer Vattenfall, is no
longer able to finance the project.
But the company has responded saying it is “continuing to progress” the 11
turbine European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) which would allow
offshore developers to test their technological hardware before deploying it.
Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, has announced it is submitting
multiple planning applications to Aberdeenshire Council this week in
preparation for the next major phase of construction and development at
Menie Estate north of Aberdeen.
The applications include detailed plans for a 30 bedroom staff
accommodation building and a 400 plus capacity ballroom / banqueting
facility with additional hotel accommodation and ancillary leisure
facilities adjoining MacLeod House & Lodge hotel. In addition there will be
public notifications (POANs) for the second 18 hole golf course,The MacLeod
Course, and other developments on the site. Further applications for
private houses and leisure accommodation, including hotel rooms will are
understood to be scheduled for submission later in the year.
Mr Trump said: I consider what we’ve created at Trump International Golf
Links in Aberdeenshire to be one of my greatest achievements. We have
incredible plans to further develop the site, and along with my investment
at Turnberry, my commitment to Scotland is stronger than ever.”
As part of the announcement the Trump company explains that development at
Menie was halted in 2013 due to the threat of the proposed EOWDC, and
continues:
” However, the technology is now widely regarded to be obsolete and
outdated, and the primary developer, Vattenfall, is no longer able to
finance the project and has stated its intention not to proceed. Other
stakeholders have also since withdrawn support for the scheme, and
confidence has been restored that the Aberdeenshire shoreline will not be
blighted by this colossal, experimental, industrial energy plant which is
now increasingly unlikely ever to proceed. ”
But it adds that the legal challenge over the Scottish Government’s
decision to grant planning consent for EOWDC would continue.
However Jason Ormiston, Vattenfall’s UK Communications Manager said “The
project partners, Vattenfall and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG),
are continuing to progress the EOWDC and want to see the scheme come to
fruition. Widely accepted as a much-needed centre of significant European
importance, the EOWDC is pivotal to helping the Scottish and UK Governments
meet their ambitious renewable energy targets and is planned to test and
demonstrate innovation and next generation technologies.”
He said EOWDC would be an integral, flagship project for Aberdeen City and
Shire’s enterprising Energetica initiative (the ‘technology Corridor’
proposed from Aberdeen to Peterhead) further positioning the region at the
forefront of the sustainable energy evolution as well as supporting the
diversification of its energy-based economy.
Meanwhile Robert Collier, Chief Executive, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of
Commerce said: “The business community in the North East will be pleased to
welcome the continued investment in Trump International Golf Links. On top
of the championship links course, five-star accommodation and a new
clubhouse opening in May, the plans for a second course, banqueting
facilities, infrastructure and a refreshed master plan are confirmation
that investment in the site continues to build a valuable asset for the
region.”
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