Trump Development

Latest developments

The Scottish Wildlife Trust lodged an objection in September 2009 to a further planning application by Trump International Golf Links Scotland (TIGLS) for marram grass planting, preparatory earthworks and chestnut pale fencing on the inner dunes at Menie Links. SWT believes this latest application is in clear breach of the planning conditions because the developer has not yet submitted an Environmental Managment Plan (EMP) to Aberdeenshire Council. The 'Section 75 agreement' clearly states that "prior to ANY works commencing an EMP prepared to industry recognised standards shall be submitted and approved in writing".

SWT originally objected to the Menie Estate development because, as currently planned, it will cause the loss of a unique, nationally important sand dune system; an area protected under Site of Special Scientific Interest legislation. Although outline planning permission has now been granted, it is vital that all the conditions of planning consent are met in order to minimise damage to the SSSI and adjacent Site of Importance to Nature Conservation. Despite our recommendation that Aberdeenshire Council refuse planning permission until all the conditions in the Section 75 Agreement are met, the Council have now granted permission. Work started on 28th October.

History of the campaign

The Scottish Government decided last year to grant outline planning permission for the application by Trump International Golf Links Scotland to develop a golf resort and housing at Menie Estate.

Speaking following this saddening announcement by the Scottish Government, Jonny Hughes, Director of Conservation at the Scottish Wildlife Trust said:

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust is extremely disappointed about this decision. We have stood alongside RSPB as well as the Scottish Government's own conservation advisors (Scottish Natural Heritage) and the many concerned members of the local community in demanding that the Government assesses the development not only on its economic merits, but also on the considerable detrimental environmental impacts. This is a huge blow for the environment and sustainable development. The crazy thing is that there could easily have been both golf and environmental protection at Menie. Instead, Government Ministers have failed to deliver the sustainable part of their professed central purpose of ‘sustainable economic growth’. This decision will mean needless destruction to a unique and nationally important site."

Sand Dunes at Menie Links During a four week long Public Local Inquiry in 2008, SWT joined forces with RSPB Scotland and the Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI) to fight for the protection of the spectacular sand dune system at Foveran Links on the Menie Estate.

The inquiry followed SWT's original objection to an application by Trump International Golf Links Scotland (TIGLS) for a golf course and resort development on 4 May 2007.

Aberdeenshire Council Infrastructure Services Committee had orginally agreed with SWT’s objection and refused the application on the 29th November 2007. This refusal was a clear acknowledgment of the unacceptable level of environmental impact associated with the proposal and the legally protected status of the SSSI. Indeed, the developer’s own Environmental Statement acknowledged there would be very significant adverse effects on habitats and biodiversity should the development happen.

Strict protection of Scotland's SSSIs is of crucial importance. If this site is lost, as is now looking likely, SSSI's throughout Scotland could come under increasing threat in the future. Without strong and consistent protection of these hotspots of biodiversity it will be ever more difficult to realise SWT's vision of a Scottish countryside rich in wildlife for all to enjoy.

Re-designed golf course

In an attempt to reach a win-win scenario with the developer, SWT and RSPB Scotland commissioned a golf course architect to draw up a routing plan for a championship standard alternative golf course away from the SSSI. The re-design was submitted to the Public Local Inquiry in 2008 and shows it is easily possible to build two top quality links courses on the Menie Estate without destroying the SSSI.

Unfortunately, TIGLS rejected our environmentally friendlier plan and proceeded with their proposals, which will cause irreversible damage to the SSSI.

The dramatic dune topography within the Foveran SSSI was to be a major feature in the championship golf course design. It appeared to be all or nothing as far as they were concerned. It is tragic that the unique and unspoilt character of a nationally protected site should be the very reason for its destruction.

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How YOU can help

SWT members and the public can help ensure SSSIs are afforded proper protection by writing to John Swinney MSP and your local MSP expressing your concerns about this development and the unnecessary destruction of a nationally important SSSI.

We would appreciate if you would also send a copy of your letter and any response to SWT, Cramond House, 3 Kirk Cramond, Edinburgh EH4 6HZ.

Whilst SWT supports sustainable development, we are committed to protecting wildlife from inappropriate development. You too can help protect Scotland's wildlife areas by making an online donation now. All donations go towards our vital conservation work, including caring for our own suite of wildlife reserves.

Further Information

If you wish to speak to SWT about this case please contact Tony King (Head of Policy) or Maggie Keegan (Conservation Officer) on 0131 312 7765.