[Bonanzoid]

Apologies if there is already a thread for this.

I just wondered, following the news today that the plan has ultimately fallen through to build 2 golf courses and 900 homes at the Menie Estate near Balmedie, what are everyones' view on this?

[Vivienne]

I am quite glad about it, because there is too much disruption to land and people all the time.

[Sunny So Cal]

Conversely, it would have created a lot of jobs in the region and helped the local economy as all the builders would need supplies, meals, etc. Additionally, all the new homeowners would patronise local shops and restaurants. Then there would also be the eventual tourism draw.

[MK Chris]

Plus, foot-loose would have been on a right little earner.

[Yudster]

Apparently the proposed development was situated within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (which is a statutory nature conservation designation indicating that the area supports habitats and/or species which are classified as nationally important, and that the area is amongst the top 10% or such areas in the country for any such habitats/species). The law states that whilst development of such areas can go ahead under certaincircumstances, it has to be shown that all other possibilities have been considered and an overriding public interest in the development going ahead must be demonstrated. Whilst benefits to the economy will constitute public interest, they need to reach very high levels to overcome the environmental issues attached to the development of 900 new homes, and the associated waste and infrastructure pressures they will bring.

I predict that these proposals, in an amended and altered form, will be back before long.

[foot-loose]

To be honest, this should do as a first response. I may change parts of it when I know how to type...

Quoted from the other thread:

Along with ecological devastation, and massive disruption. Seeing as this development was going to be 5 miles (if that) South of where I live, and it was then between myself and uni, I did not support it. Golf courses maybe, but all those homes too? Get tae.

I'll reply tomorrow in the other thread properly when I'm sober.

However, having spoken to my collegue in Aberdeen - his view is that the money and potential world wide recognition that this venture would achieve would easily outweigh any of the ecological and social problems that this project would bring to the area.

He feels that the dismissal of this idea has turned the north west of Scotland into a laughing stock. I don't have an exact quote, mainly cos im pissed, but he says that a spokesman of the Trump guys have said something like "if you want to deal with Scotland, avoid the north." Now, in my books, thats not a good thing?!

My view is simple - while this venture is likely to cause some disturbance to the area in the short term, it is also likely to bring a shed load of money to the area in the long term. It's not like they are building a factory that will pollute the area - its a golf course! Whats the beef??

[Yudster]

Well, the 900 homes will bring 1800 flushing toilets, 900 x general landfill waste, 1800+ x vehicle emissions and 900 x general residential pollution to a small area. This could be dealt with if handled properly - but with most developments that's a very big if.

[Bonanzoid]

The fact is he wants to come in and set up shop, with absolutely no concern for the people or land around him. He'd be making a little village there, but contributing no schools or any other things that could actually help the wider community. People all say "it would bring in money for the area", but I must admit to being skeptical about even that. It would bring in money, granted, but to his obnoxious pocket.

[Bonanzoid]

As for 'world-wide recognition', I'd say we're pretty set for that already with the whole oil thing...

[foot-loose]

You certainly are doing pretty good with the oil thing.

I think my opinion is mainly based on my collegues opinion - he was working closely with the Trump people and was set to make a fair amount of cash if the thing went ahead.

Basically, I'm biased.

[S4B]

I hate golf but then I'm far enough away not to care. Also on a plus note it'd drag all those mad golfing people for the rest of the UK and land them in Footie's car!

Build the damn thing!

[Yudster]

Just heard from colleagues in Scotland that the Trump development has been turned down only by the Infrastructure Committee - there's a long way to go yet.

[Bonanzoid]

Yeah, that happened last week, and the day after one of the councilors who voted against it was attacked on her own doorstep. How civilised.

[Boboff]

It's not really though is it? Civilized I mean

[nade]

I think as an attraction, i'm sure a massive Golf complex run by Mr Trump would have brought in more tourists and raised Scotland's profile in America. However i have not decided myself if I think it would be a good thing for the Aberdeen area or if it would just cause problems.

But i'm sure of one thing, he'll have thrown a strop at being rejected. I'm sure he'll all too used to getting what he wants and won't be happy.

[Yudster]

He hasn't been rejected yet. One of many stages of the process is completed, and it has not gone in his favour. But it is only one of the many steps.