Aberdeenshire Council approves second course at Trump International Golf Links

Aberdeenshire Council has approved plans for the construction of a second 18-hole golf course by Trump International on the Menie Estate near Balmedie, Scotland, after judging that it would “contribute toward the significant social and economic benefits expected to be delivered by the wider development proposals within the Menie Estate.”

The MacLeod course will be built to the south and west of the original course (pictured) and will share the existing clubhouse and facilities on site. It is named after Donald Trump’s mother Mary Anne MacLeod and the layout has been designed by Martin Hawtree, the architect responsible for the development’s first course, which opened in 2012.

A total of 15 conditions were placed upon the development by Aberdeenshire Council in its granting of planning permission. These include the submission of details concerning bridges that will be installed and the materials to be used, as well as plans regarding the protection of local animal and plant species. Trump International will also be required to submit plans concerning the maintenance of the local environment, including the nearby dunes system at Foveran Links, which is designated as a site of special scientific interest.

Objections were initially made by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) regarding the lack of information about environmental and water management plans for the new construction. However, the report of handling states that following the submission of a number of supporting documents and subject to a number of relevant planning conditions, SEPA now has no objection to the proposal.

“We continue to remain focused on the long-term vision for our magnificent estate and are moving steadily forward with our infrastructure and development plans for the next phase of construction at our world-class resort,” said Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International Scotland. “The MacLeod course will be built to the highest specifications and standards to complement our award-winning championship links. The course will be constructed alongside our estate residencies, cottages and country homes that were approved at the end of last year.”

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