
Overview
Plans for a golf course, resort and housing at Menie, Aberdeen have been consented, but they will lead to extensive damage to a protected sand dune system.
The Scottish Government has consented proposals by Trump International Golf Links Scotland for a golf course complex with 1,500 houses at Menie, north of Aberdeen.
The site includes an outstanding dune system, notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its physiographical and botanical interest.
The developer admits his proposals to vegetate open sand areas would destroy the very mobility of the dunes which was the special feature of the site. Experts dispute the likely effectiveness of proposed habitat translocation.
The government stated that economic benefits outweigh the destruction of a site of national importance to nature conservation and construction has started.