Donald Trump has received retrospective planning permission to construct a new pavilion at his Trump International Golf Links resort in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It comes as the PGA Tour is set to return to a Trump-owned course next season.
The structure, intended to serve as a halfway house for golfers, has sparked environmental concerns due to its location in sand dunes previously identified as a “swamp” area.
The planning application, submitted on July 4, sought approval for the erection of a halfway house within the grounds of Menie Estate, Balmedie. The facility is designed to provide toilet and food and drink services to golfers on the course, which was recently vandalized with a message concerning Trump’s alleged friendship to Jeffrey Epstein.
Aberdeenshire Council granted permission on July 14, acknowledging that the golf course had prior approval for a halfway house in February 2025, but the current location differed from the original site.
Dr. Fiona Marshall, an objector to the development, raised concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed site. In May, she stated, “I object to this application on the basis of the environmental damage it will cause.”
“In addition, the maps suggest that the building will be sited in an area of swamp vegetation – I assume this will have to be cleared and the area drained for the foundations and it makes me question how well the sewage treatment plant that they will install, will work.”
However, Aberdeenshire Council’s planning officials addressed these concerns in their assessment. The council’s report noted that the halfway house is considered an ancillary building within the established recreational use of the golf course.
The design and scale of the pavilion were deemed not to cause detrimental impact to the character of the area or the natural environment. The positioning of the building was chosen as a practical stop-off point for golfers, situated adjacent to an existing pathway servicing the course.
The development includes a private drainage system with a wastewater treatment plant discharging to the Blairton Burn, and surface water will be managed by a soakaway adjacent to the building.
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The council concluded that the proposed development would not unacceptably impact the character of the area and recommended granting planning permission. This approval comes as Trump International Golf Links prepares to open a new 18-hole course at the Menie Estate later this year.
The halfway house is considered essential to the successful operation of the new course, providing necessary amenities for golfers. The pavilion is designed to resemble Victorian train stations found in the northeast of Scotland, aligning with the resort’s aesthetic.
Despite previous environmental challenges and opposition from conservation groups, the development continues to move forward. Trump is expected to visit Scotland for the opening of the new course, marking his first visit since his 2016 election victory. The resort, established in 2012, remains a significant investment for the Trump Organization, contributing to the expansion of luxury golf tourism in the region.
