Trump resort's economic impact more important than environment

Donald Trump will claim his £1bn golf resort in Aberdeenshire is of “national importance” and more important than any adverse environmental effects.

A statement of case, lodged by the Trump organisation in preparation for next month’s public inquiry, shows the mogul has no intention scaling back the controversial development.

But it suggests the group could enter into an agreement to cover a contribution to affordable housing, education facilities and road improvements if the resort gets the go-ahead, reported the Scotsman.

The statement says the group believes the social and economic impacts of the proposed resort outweigh negative environmental impacts.

The development proposes to build a golf course, 450-room five-star hotel, 500 residential homes and almost 1,000 timeshare apartments partially on Foveran Links, a protected national heritage site.

Mr Trump has revealed he will be the group’s key witness at the inquiry.