  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Trump – Environment Trump International Golf Links Scotland The Trump Organization is world renowned for its real estate empire. Donald J Trump has built a diverse property portfolio that is characterized by its quality and desirability. From commercial, residential, hotel and leisure to private golf clubs the company has established itself as a market leader in each sector and region. The aim for Trump International Golf Links, Scotland is to deliver a world-class mixed-use resort and community. The championship golf course is being designed with major tournaments in mind and the objective is to one day host the Open Championship. The Trump Organization has submitted an Outline Planning Application and an Environmental Statement. Both documents were prepared with meticulous attention and the very best consultants and experts were hired to work on them. The development provides a unique opportunity to conserve and enhance the environment. The proposed stabilisation of the dome will be a project of great scientific interest in itself. An independent body of specialists will monitor the development from construction through to opening and beyond. Their aim is to ensure that the development produces a net environmental gain. The social and economic benefits arising from this development are hugely important for the region and match exactly its need for economic diversification. The development strikes an important and meaningful balance between environmental protection and economic benefit. The Trump Organization has worked hard to be transparent and collaborative in all aspects of its dealings with the Aberdeenshire Council and the local community. Throughout the development of the TIGLS proposals, it has been necessary to strike a balance between Donald J Trump's ambition of building the best links golf course in the world with the environmental sensitivities of the site in terms of geomorphology, ecology, flora, fauna, ornithology, landscape and local residents, and the significant economic benefits to be derived from the construction, operation and worldwide prestige of the golf and leisure resort proposal. The purpose of this additional information is to enable Aberdeenshire Council to consider in greater detail the fine balance between the environmental effects of the proposal and the economic and recreational benefits of the TIGLS proposal. We can confirm that the last 9 holes cannot be relocated. The reasons for this statement is that the relocation of the last 9 holes would not result in the formation of a world class golf course capable of attracting visitors from all over the world and could not sustain the proposed project. The SSSI's special qualities in relation to the creation of a championship golf course include the scale of the dunes, proximity to the sea and the vistas which are on offer, characteristics which are not available elsewhere on site. Concern has been expressed that insufficient attention has been given to alternative resort and golf course layouts in the design process. SNH have advised that there is little evidence that the design of the resort has been an iterative process, taking into account geomorphological, ecological, landscape and recreational impacts. In response to this, we would advise that an exhaustive design process has been conducted, with a significant number of alternative layouts considered. The various iterations of the golf course layout, have all taken into consideration the comments of Professor Ritchie and Dr Dargie, to modify impact on important geomorphological and ecological interests. The end result is a balanced solution which provides the best quality golf course, which as far as possible minimises adverse environmental impacts. We are unable to relocate the championship golf course outwith the SSSI. Moreover without the ability to form the course in this location, there would be no basis for the resort, and it would not proceed. TIGLS ResponseA great deal has been produced on environmental management of golf courses and the R&A have produced reference material in conjunction with SGU, SGEG, SNH, SE and WRAP. The Environmental Management Plan would form part of the reserved matters and would be produced in consultation with the appropriate statutory and non-statutory bodies. Best practice guidance consulted would include the following:
The Trump Organization has been the recipient of a substantial number of prestigious awards, which are listed in Appendix 9. This also includes a details explanation of the environmental award which the Trump Organization has received for Bedminster Golf Club. This reinforces the strong track record which the organisation has in ensuring delivery of a high quality golf course which can co-exist with and enhance the natural environment. Much of the content of the consultation responses received from SEPA and SNH has concentrated on the SSSI and the sand dome. Given the importance attached to these matters in the consultation responses, we would wish to be clear on the physical proposals which are envisaged for this area. The subject is analysed in the summary guide which has been produced by Professor Ritchie of the University of Aberdeen – 'Mitigation and Technical Means for Coastal Dune Management for Scotland – A Summary Guide' (Appendix 6-5). This highlights the variety of techniques which can be employed to introduce stability to the areas of sand which are currently described as dynamic. In the case of the sand dome within the SSSI, it is proposed to plant this area with the natural grasses which are currently found on site. The details of these techniques are described in detail in the above document, however we would wish to stress that these activities are essentially 'soft solutions' replications of natural processes. They involve for example, stabilization of the surface using biodegradable netting, followed by planting of natural grasses. This can take two forms, firstly by the transplanting of existing bunches of marram grass from elsewhere on site, and secondly by seeding. Both of these processes use natural grass species of the same type as currently found on site. The above summary of the proposed plans for the dome is given to overcome any misunderstanding which may have arisen as a result of the term stabilization which has been widely used to describe the alterations which are proposed. This has connotations of the creation of major engineering works, such as reinforced concrete retaining walls or wire and stone gabions, to hold back the flow of sand from the beach. There are no plans to construct major works of this kind, and consequently the natural measures proposed will seek to create a modified topography that is visually compatible with adjacent features. The golf course routing plan as submitted shows holes which lie wholly or partly on the dome. These are the tees and approach to the fairway of 11th hole; part of the fairway and green on the 12th hole; tees and approach to the small fairway apron and green of the 13th hole; and part of the fairway and green of the 17th hole. Thus, in relation to 'stabilisation' a distinction has to be made between these course features ie tees, fairways and greens which might occupy 15 to 25% of the area of the dome (this is a most approximate estimate, but is useful in giving more detail on the likely techniques that will be employed). These surfaces will be constructed, stabilised, vegetated and maintained in the same way as all other holes in the course. The remaining 85 to 75% which is presently bare and mobile cannot be left in its present condition as it would threaten to destroy the constructed features of holes 11, 12, 13and 17 by sand drifting and, frequently, make play difficult due to wind blown sand. For these 'non-hole' expanses a range of techniques are available to stabilise the ground in order to ensure the integrity of the 'holes' and the conditions of play. Development of a five star resort and Championship golf course and leisure facility will demand a high level of design specification to meet the requirements of a proposed World-Class facility. The development design concepts include 'sustainable' elements such as:
The Trump Organization has won numerous environmental awards for other golf and resort developments and recognises its responsibility to the environment.
|
