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Donald Trump to appeal Aberdeen offshore wind farm defeat
2014/2/11
A legal challenge to a planned offshore wind farm which could be seen from Donald Trump's golf resort in Aberdeenshire has been rejected.
The US businessman claims the ￡230m European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) would spoil the view from his golf course at Menie.
His bid to overturn approval for the project was dismissed by Lord Doherty.
Mr Trump has said he will appeal and in the meantime focus instead on a new development in Ireland.
'Fierce opponent'
Trump International Golf Club Scotland and the Trump Organisation went to the Court of Session in Edinburgh for a judicial review of the Scottish government's decision not to hold a public inquiry on the windfarm application and of their decision to grant consent for the project.
Lord Doherty said he was not persuaded that it could be fairly concluded there was a real possibility of any bias in the decision-making process, or that the decision not to hold an inquiry had been unreasonable or unlawful.
Mr Trump subsequently said he would appeal against the ruling, as he revealed he has bought his first links golf course in Ireland - Doonbeg Golf Club in County Clare.
In a brief statement, he said: "We will appeal this decision and in the meantime we will be focusing all of our investment and energy towards our new acquisition on the Atlantic Ocean in Ireland."
In an earlier statement, the Trump Organisation said: "Today's decision has not altered our unwavering commitment to protect our investment in Scotland.
"Communities worldwide continue to challenge the destructive proliferation of wind turbines and we will remain a fierce opponent at the forefront of this battle.
"Despite today's decision, the EOWDC proposal has numerous economic and legal obstacles that will ultimately prevent its construction."
Mr Trump has previously said he will pull the plug on his own controversial plans to finish his proposed resort at Menie Estate, near Balmedie, with a large hotel, holiday homes and a residential village, if the windfarm goes ahead.
'Accelerate growth'
A Scottish government spokesperson said: "Scottish ministers are pleased that the court has found in their favour.
"The proposed European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre is an important project for Aberdeen and north east Scotland.
"It will give the industry the ability to test and demonstrate new technologies to accelerate its growth."
EOWDC spokesman Iain Todd said: "This is a most welcome decision for the EOWDC and wider offshore wind industry.
"The project underwent a thorough examination and extensive consultation to gain consent and the decision-making process has been scrutinised by the Court of Session."
'Important pilot'
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: "This result is great news for Scotland and for all those interested in cutting climate emissions and creating jobs."
And Aedan Smith, head of planning and development for RSPB Scotland said: "We welcome this decision.
"We need offshore wind to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle the climate change already causing problems for people and wildlife.
"The Aberdeen Bay wind farm is a small but important pilot."
