SCOTLAND’S environmental watchdog has raised a formal objection to Donald Trump’s company’s plans for a second course at the first golf resort he built in the country.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is concerned about the risk of pollution and sewage at the new course in Aberdeenshire.
The Trump Organisation has submitted plans for a second 18-hole course at the Menie resort, which would be named Mary Macleod - after the US President’s Scottish mother - if given the go-ahaed.
But Sepa wants the plans to be revised over sewage and pollution concerns.
Aberdeenshire Council is due to discuss the planning application at a meeting on August 22.
In its submission, Sepa detailed concerns over waste water drainage associated with the planning application.
The environment organisation also raised concerns about proposals to plant non-native plants near Hole 5 of the course as well as a failure to supply an up-to-date environmental management plan.
Earlier this year the resort was criticised over “absurd” plans to take over environmental monitoring from the independent body set up to protect the area.
Among the critics of the controversial bid is the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa), which is concerned about disposal of foul water.
The Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, has asked the local council to ditch planning permission clauses that imposed strict, independent monitoring.
The proposal was condemned by Sepa as it is concerned about disposal of foul water.
Scrutiny is currently carried out by the Menie Environmental Monitoring Advisory Group (Memag), which includes Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Sepa.
Mr Trump’s resort was widely opposed on the grounds it could damage the legally-protected sand dunes and the advisory group was established to placate opponents.
The resort, along with the Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire, is now run by the his son Eric, who wants to abolish Memag and run their own annual inspections, saying there is “no evidence” the group has added value to the environment.
The Menie resort was to have comprised two 18-hole courses, a 450-room hotel, a golf clubhouse, a conference centre and spa, golf academy, holiday homes and golf villas.
Some projections were for an investment of up to £1 billion and more than 4000 jobs, but to date, only one golf course has been built.
Sepa said: “As a statutory consultee under planning regulations, Sepa has noted a number of objections to the current proposals in relation to provision of waste water disposal and wider protection of the water environment. If further information or revised proposals are presented by the Trump International Golf Links that alleviate these concerns, Sepa would consider removing our objections.”
The Trump Organisation will now have the opportunity to revise its plans to comply with Sepa’s demands.
Trump International Golf Links said the second course the second course does not occupy a Site of Special Scientific Interest, therefore it is not covered by any environmental designations, adding: “We are extremely confident in our proposal and that this process will reach a satisfactory conclusion acceptable to all parties.” on our world class development.”
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