Apprentice boss defeated in bitter court battle
The boss of The Apprentice has lost a lengthy court battle over the alleged sabotage of his £750 million luxury development…
The boss of The Apprentice has lost a lengthy court battle over the alleged sabotage of his £750 million luxury development…
Property magnate Donald Trump, host of the American version of hit TV show The Apprentice, has lost a legal challenge to halt construction of an offshore wind farm within sight of his £750 million Scottish golf resort.
The businessman's legal team went to court in November to oppose the 11-turbine European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) off the Aberdeenshire coast, claiming it would spoil the view from his luxury golf course.
A petition lodged by Trump International Golf Club Scotland and the Trump Organisation asked the Court of Session in Edinburgh to rule that the Scottish Government's approval of the wind farm was unlawful and the decision should be overturned.
But Judge Lord Doherty has rejected the legal bid at the Court of Session by dismissing the petition and Trump has now ditched plans for that second course in Scotland.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Scottish ministers are pleased that the court has found in their favour.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Scottish ministers are pleased that the court has found in their favour.”
Billionaire Mr Trump's legal action was against the Scottish Government's approval of the windfarm, which was granted in March last year.
The infamous US businessman had publically vowed to take the Scottish First Minister, “Alex Mad” Salmond, “to hell”, claiming that the politician interfered with plans to develop a luxury golf resort.
Lawyers acting for Mr Trump sought judicial review of the Scottish Government's decision not to hold a public inquiry in relation to the windfarm application and of their decision to grant consent for the project.
Trump long threatened to decamp to Ireland if he was thwarted in his plans to construct the major golfing resort near Aberdeen, which was due to include a large five star hotel, timeshare apartments and a private housing estate.
Mr Trump has now snapped up five-star Doonbeg Golf Course in County Clare, Ireland, for £12.4 million and promises to transform it into a world-class venue. It boasts an Atlantic seascape that stretches for 2.5 miles and a 218-room hotel with a spa and restaurants.
"Doonbeg is an already terrific property that we will make even better – it will soon be an unparalleled resort destination with the highest standards of luxury," Trump said.
However, he now faces a fresh battle over his plans for the golf resort as a planning application has been lodged for nine wind turbines three miles inland from the course.
The Trump Organisation said the turbine development is doomed, despite the court ruling: "Today's decision has not altered our unwavering commitment to protect our investment in Scotland.
"We are reviewing Lord Doherty's decision and will pursue the legal options available to us as recommended by our counsel.
"Communities worldwide continue to challenge the destructive proliferation of wind turbines and we will remain a fierce opponent at the forefront of this battle.”
Keywords: Donald Trump, The Apprentice, development, golf course, Scotland, Ireland, windfarm, property magnate, Court of Session, Menie Estate, Balmedie, Aberdeen