Golf
Trump stumped by granny
2009-11-25 12:21
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Molly Forbes's son Michael (File)
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New York - American business magnate Donald Trump’s plan to build a £1 billion golf resort on the Menie estate in north-east Scotland is being legally challenged by an 85-year-old woman who stands to lose her home as a result of his project.
According to the SportBusiness website, Molly Forbes has filed papers with the Court of Session in Edinburgh challenging planning consents that were granted by Aberdeenshire Council. She is claiming that Trump failed to carry out the required environmental assessments and did not give enough information about why Trump now needs the land, Trump having previously said he did not require the land for the development.
“Mr Trump has been granted planning permission to demolish my home, but I do not wish to sell, and I do not wish to be forced out,” said Forbes in the statement. “I never expected in my life to face eviction from my home, let alone for a golf course.”
Trump may seek approval for compulsory purchase orders if Forbes and the other owners refuse to sell their land.
“Our applications have been the most scrutinised submissions in Scottish planning history and I am sure that the Aberdeenshire Council, which voted almost unanimously in support of them, is proud of their actions,” Trump said in a statement.
The development was the subject of a public inquiry last year when the Scottish government intervened after Aberdeenshire Council rejected the first application. In September, the municipality granted planning consent for five areas of land, including where Forbes lives.