Balmedie golf course plans by Donald Trump's firm to revamp houses given green light

Donald Trump’s company has been given the green light to revamp five houses near his Aberdeenshire golf course.

The US president-elect has spent £660,000 in recent years buying up the properties which overlook Trump International Golf Links on the Menie estate.

His staff applied to Aberdeenshire Council to carry out a series of renovations at the row of empty terraced homes, which are known as Coastguard Cottages.

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The plans include building two extensions to each property, replacing the windows and erecting entrance porches.
Trump, 78, has now been given planning permission by the local authority after no objections were received.

In a submission to the council, Trump’s representatives said: “The proposed work at Coastguard Cottages involves a series of internal and external alterations in order to improve the overall appearance and functionality of the properties.

“Planning Approval is sought for the erection of entrance porches on the principal elevation and the two single storey extensions to the rear of the properties.

“Having worked through a detailed design development it is the belief of the applicant and agent that the proposals sit appropriately within their local context and should therefore be supported.”

Locals believe the properties may be rented out as holiday lets in future although they are currently classed as ‘domestic dwellings’ and Trump International has made no application for a change of use.

In a written ruling, planning officials said: “In terms of design and external appearance, the proposed extensions to the northeast and southwest elevations of the Coastguard Cottages would not be out of keeping with the scale, character, and appearance of the existing houses, as the materials to be used will see a visual improvement to the current design and style.

“This will bring a more in-keeping colour palette and material that will fit well within the existing coastal and agricultural landscape of the area, and the greenery of the agricultural fields and golf course nearby.

“The extension is relatively small in nature as it will predominantly utilise an area of empty space to the northeast of the dwellinghouse, which can be considered to be of a suitable layout and capable of being accommodated well within the existing property boundary without affecting the road access.”

Earlier this week it was announced that Trump will visit Scotland next year for the opening of a new golf course at the Aberdeenshire site.

His son Eric Trump said his father will be present when the 18-hole links MacLeod Course at the resort opens next summer.

If the visit goes ahead, it could be the first time Trump travels to Scotland since his victory in the US election.

The Trump International Golf Links was opened by Trump in 2012 following a battle with environmental campaigners.

In 2022 Aberdeenshire Council granted permission in principle for 550 properties at the site.