Donald Trump''s bid to construct a new golf resort in Scotland suffered a major blow this week after Doctor Jim Hansom brought the project''s environmental credentials into question.
Speaking at the public inquiry in Aberdeen, the coastal research expert said that building a golf course on the Menie estate could destroy the area''s sand dune systems, a feature he described as the "jewel in the crown" of the UK''s beaches.
Mr Hansom claimed that Mr Trump''s plan for the beach would involve moving "biblical amounts" of sand in order to create the £1 billion golf resort, the Scotsman reports.
The issue of the sand dunes, which are designated as a site of special scientific interest, has already led to major opposition for the US tycoon''s project, with environmental campaigners opposing the development from the outset.
Meanwhile, plans to build a £115 million golf resort on the Ury estate in nearby Stonehaven moved closer to fruition yesterday.
A development of 230 homes to fund the project was approved by councillors, meaning the Jack Nicklaus-designed course is on schedule to open in 2010, the Herald reports.
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