Buyout threat still hanging over Menie homeowners

Members of Aberdeenshire Council have been accused of prolonging the agony of homeowners living with the threat of compulsory purchase orders being used to buy their houses and land for tycoon Donald Trump’s golf resort.

The US billionaire wants to acquire four properties and two plots of ground to add to his planned £1billion complex at the Menie Estate near Balmedie.

Yesterday, councillors voted to reject a motion ruling out the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPO) for the development, choosing instead to back an amendment which appreciated the “uncertainty and concerns” felt about the issue.

The amendment, tabled by ruling administration member Martin Kitts-Hayes, said it would be “inappropriate” to make a decision without a detailed report.

However, the P&J has learned administration councillors were ready to back an alternative amendment which would have removed the threat of CPO – but it was changed shortly before the meeting after they received legal advice to say it was “not competent”.

Mr Trump welcomed the outcome of the vote last night and said negotiations with landowners would continue.

There was a strong mood against CPOs among council members at yesterday’s meeting – which was attended by dozens of protesters – with many warning that they would not support their use for Mr Trump’s scheme.

Liberal Democrat member Mr Kitts-Hayes said voting for his amendment did not mean the council supported the use of CPOs on the Menie Estate.

He said he would be surprised if councillors agreed to CPO, but added: “We cannot make decisions on this council based on notices of motion.”

Inverurie and District SNP councillor Bryan Stuart said he “wholeheartedly” supported Mr Trump’s project, but added: “I would find it difficult to vote people out of their homes for the sake of a golf course.”

Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford Lib Dem councillor Alastair Ross said there was a “great groundswell” of opinion opposed to the use of CPOs for a private development.

He added: “I will never vote to remove you or your neighbours from your homes for a golf course, so please be assured of that.”

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