Provost refuses to reveal CPOs view

The provost of Aberdeenshire Council has refused to reveal whether he will support the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to make way for Donald Trump’s golf resort.

Long-standing critic Martin Ford has lodged formal questions to the provost, council leader and the heads of the policy committees asking if they supported the use of the special powers to force unwilling homeowners to sell.

Mr Trump has been given permission to add the neighbouring properties to his planned golf course – Mill of Menie, Menie Fishing Station, Hermit Point and Leyton Cottage. The owners have so far refused to sell, but Mr Trump insists he will not ask the council to use its CPO powers.

Green Party member Mr Ford said he submitted the questions because he believed it was time leading councillors broke their silence on the matter.

Provost Bill Howatson ruled the question to the others out of order and restated the position he voted for last year.

Last year’s position – that the local authority would only consider, through due process, CPOs which were for the benefit of the general public interest – was adopted after Mr Ford tabled a notice of motion to the full council in a bid to force councillors to reveal their position.

It stated the council appreciated the “uncertainty and concerns” over the use of the powers, but it would be inappropriate to make a decision without a detailed report being available for full and proper consideration.

Mr Ford said he was disappointed the provost did not reveal his position on the matter and accused the council of prolonging the agony of homeowners “living under the threat” of CPOs. He added: “Unfortunately, there’s now a track record of notices of motion and questions not being answered and this just continues this position.

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