No Decision On Trump Golf Resort Orders

A decision on the use of compulsory purchase orders to make way for Donald Trump's golf resort will not be made this week by Aberdeenshire Council.

The meeting being held this morning at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) will not debate the issue after Trump International, requested that a report not be submitted in order to allow further time for negotiations with homeowners on the estate.

Councillors will, however, be asked to debate a motion from Cllr Martin Ford asking the council not to use compulsory purchase powers on the Menie Estate to force residents from their homes.

He told BBC Scotland: "It's unsettling, it's uncomfortable and it's threatening, it's like someone standing over you with a permanent threat and a bullying tactic which is exactly what it is."

Mr Trump has contentious plans for two championship golf courses, 950 holiday homes and 500 houses, which were the subject of a public local inquiry by the Scottish Government after they were rejected by the Aberdeenshire Council committee chaired by Cllr Ford.

The are currently four homeowners refusing to sell their homes. One of the residents. David Milne, will be allowed to address councillors for 15 minutes at the meeting.

Mr Trump's son, Donald Trump Jnr, told BBC Scotland the owners have been offered a 15% premium on market value of their properties.

They can also avail of the opportunity to buy new homes at cost price with lifetime use of facilities.

The Menie Liberation Front group, campaigners against the tycoon's golf resort, last week dressed up statues around Scotland as Mr Trump.

They said Mr Trump masks and golf clubs had been added to about 20 statues in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.

Trump International condemned the action as a "stunt".

See: Trump's £1bn Golf Resort Gets The Go-Ahead

(KMcA)