Plans for a permanent clubhouse which will serve the Trump International Golf Links Scotland resort near Balmedie have been approved by councillors.

The Trump organisation sought permission for the clubhouse and turning circle at the Menie Estate. Plans for a temporary clubhouse at the site were approved in December.

The application was discussed by members of the Formartine Area Committee in Ellon yesterday (Tue, Jan 17).

The granite clubhouse will feature a reception, public and members’ lounges, professional shop, toilets and changing facilities, kitchen, offices, meeting rooms and storage areas.

A total of 798 letters of objection were received in a standard format, raising concerns including the impact on a nearby property, drainage, the scale of the building and equality of facilities for men and women.

A further 18 letters of objection were received raising a number of issues, including noise, design, public rights of access, visual impact, opening hours, and impact on wildlife.

A planning report before the committee said the design was considered to be acceptable and that the building would not have a negative impact on the area.

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Councillors were told the proposed design reflected the character of the nearby listed property formerly known as Menie House, and that the design had been passed to the Aberdeen City and Shire Design Review Panel for its views.

A number of questions were asked by councillors relating to temporary waste water treatment arrangements, levelling of the site, the building’s relation to the nearest property, and links with the Energetica corridor.

The committee heard from planning agent for the development Ann Faulds, who addressed a number of points raised in objections to the development and called for its approval so that ‘Mr Trump . . can deliver this nationally important golf resort for Scotland’.

Members also heard from local resident David Milne, who called for the application to be refused. He cited concerns including the potential impact on drainage and loss of light to his property, claiming the application was part of a ‘pattern of disrespect for the region and its inhabitants.’

Cllr Gillian Owen moved that the application be supported in line with the recommendations of planners, commenting that it would not be possible to ‘please everybody’ in design terms.

An amendment for refusal was then lodged by Cllr Debra Storr, who claimed the design of the building was ‘inappropriate’ and that it would have a negative impact on the neighbouring property.

A number of members agreed that referring the design to the Aberdeen City and Shire Design Review Panel at an earlier stage would have been helpful, and voiced disappointed that detailed information on renewable energy and other mitigation measures had not been explored in greater detail.

Committee chairman Cllr John Loveday said: "We were always going to get a huge number of people who are against the principle of this and would reject the design, whatever it was,” later adding: “We have to remember this is a golf clubhouse, not a residence."

The committee then went to the vote. Cllr Owen’s call for approval, seconded by Cllr Rob Merson, was supported by eight votes to two against Cllr Storr’s amendment for refusal, seconded by Cllr Johnston.

(GK/DW)