‘Hammer blow’ to Trump project

Almost three-quarters of Scots oppose using compulsory purchase orders to pave the way for the Trump golf resort, according to research.

A YouGov poll has revealed that 74% were against the use of the powers to help the tycoon buy more land for the £1billion complex at the Menie Estate at Balmedie.

Just 13% supported the idea.

The Press and Journal revealed in July that the American property magnate had asked Aberdeenshire Council to use compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to buy four homes and two plots of land on the estate.

The request has since been suspended to allow for further discussions – but the tycoon’s team has said it remains on the table.

Campaign group Tripping up Trump and the Scottish Green Party commissioned the study, surveying 1,114 Scots.

Martin Glegg, group co-ordinator of Tripping Up Trump (TUT), said the poll was a “hammer blow” to the project.

Scottish Green Party leader Patrick Harvie MSP said: “Compulsory purchase was meant for public projects that serve the common good, not as a lever the rich can use to pry people from their homes for profit.”

Mr Trump’s development director, George Sorial, said: “It seems like the Green Party and TUT are the only ones who continue to talk about the use of CPO at Menie Estate.

“We have moved on and are focused on putting people to work and making a positive contribution to the north-east and Scottish economy.”

He added that the survey was a waste of Green Party resources, which should be ploughed into projects that protect the environment.

It is understood the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) could meanwhile launch an investigation into Aberdeenshire Council’s most senior planner.

The RTPI is examining a complaint from former member Bob Marshall, of Glasgow, claiming that planning director Christine Gore failed to act with integrity and independence while handling the Trump Organisation’s application.

A spokesman for the council said: “If the RTPI choose to investigate these accusations we will co-operate with them fully, confident that the director of planning and environmental services will be found to have acted in the best interests of the council at all times and in line with the highest professional standards.”

Mr Trump’s Menie Estate project, involving two golf courses, a 450-bedroom hotel, 950 holiday homes and 500 houses, was called in by the Scottish Government shortly after it was rejected by the council’s infrastructure services committee.

Ministers backed the scheme in principle in November last year, after a lengthy public inquiry.

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