The Scottish Government has decided to grant outline planning permission for the application by Trump International Golf Links Scotland to develop a golf resort in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire.

This decision subject to satisfactory conclusion of legal agreements between Trump and Aberdeenshire Council follows receipt by Ministers of a report from the Reporters at the public local inquiry recommending that outline planning permission be granted.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: "The Scottish Government called this application in for determination last December as it raised issues of importance that required consideration at a national level. As a result, I ordered a public inquiry so that we could give proper consideration to this major application which has been the subject of widespread public interest.

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"This has been a complex planning application in which there has been a wide range of issues to consider. There has also been significant public interest in the proposed development, with clear arguments on both sides."

The Cabinet Secretary said he was content that there has been an efficient, transparent and inclusive process, led by Scotland's chief reporter, which has taken account of all of the relevant issues and the views expressed before, during and after the public inquiry.

"Having given careful consideration to the issues and arguments, I agree with the Reporters' findings and reasoning, and with their recommendation that outline planning permission should be granted, subject to the satisfactory prior conclusion of necessary legal agreements.

"The Reporters found there was significant economic and social benefit to be gained from this project, which has been a major consideration in my decision to grant outline planning permission," he said.

Groups including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and RSPB Scotland have been opposed to the project, as plans show a part of a course will be built on sensitive sand dunes.

(GK/JM)