US tycoon Donald Trump has launched his legal challenge against the Scottish Government's decision to approve planning permission for a wind farm.

Mr Trump lodged the challenge at the Court of Session.

The proposed wind farm would be located off the Aberdeenshire coast, near to where the businessman has a golf course.

He claims the development will spoil the views from the golf course on the Menie estate, but Ministers have argued that it would not ruin the view, in addition to renewable energy being essential for Scotland's economy.

-- Advertisement --

The £230m European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) project consists of 11 wind turbines and is aimed at providing enough energy for more than 49,000 homes.

The petition by Trump calls on the court to declare the decision not to hold a public inquiry – and the subsequent approval of the EOWDC – were unlawful. He also asks for the decisions to be reversed.

Mr Trump said: "I plan on proceeding for as long as required, irrespective of cost."

He has previously stated his plans for a 140-bedroom hotel at Menie would only continue if the wind farm did not proceed.

(JP/CD)