Billionaire Donald Trump's plans to develop a £1 billion golf resort and complex has been rejected by Aberdeenshire councillors.

Mr Trump had planned to build what he calls the "world's greatest" golf complex as well as a major housing development at the Menie Estate.

The controversial resort project was given outline planning approval last week. However, members of the Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee today voted against the proposals. Committee chairman Martin Ford made the casting vote after a 7-7 deadlock.

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The Trump International Links scheme included two championship golf courses and some 1,500 homes.

The US tycoon has claimed he needs to build the houses to pay for the development, which he wants to construct over the next five years at the 1,400 acre site near Balmedie.

But protesters have claimed that the resort would have a major impact on wildlife and destroy a beautiful part of Scotland.

Councillors on the Formartine area committee backed the plans last week by seven votes to four. If they had approved the links plan it would have been be up to Scottish Assembly Ministers to make the final decision.

Opposition to the scheme include environmental groups such as RSPB Scotland, as well as local residents.

Mr Trump could now appeal the decision which was made after a two and a half hour debate.

(BMcC/JM)