By Kirsty Stewart

ONE of Donald Trump’s Scottish golf courses has been criticised over “absurd” plans to take over environmental monitoring from the independent body set up to protect the area.

Among the critics of the controversial bid is the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), which is concerned about disposal of foul water.

The Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, has asked the local council to ditch planning permission clauses that imposed strict, independent monitoring.

The proposal has been criticised by the national watchdog, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa). It is concerned about disposal of foul water.

Scrutiny is currently carried out by the Menie Environmental Monitoring Advisory Group (Memag), which includes Scottish Natural Heritage and Sepa.

Trump’s course was widely opposed on the grounds it could damage the legally-protected sand dunes and the advisory group was established to placate opponents.

The resort, along with the Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire, is now run by the US President’s son Eric. who wants to abolish Memag and run their own annual inspections, saying there is “no evidence” the group has added value to the environment.

Several individuals have also formally opposed the move by writing to Aberdeenshire Council.

One of them, Sean Ashley, stated: “I am very concerned at the environmental damage Trump International Golf Links Scotland (TIGLS) has done and continues to do at the site, and around the site of this golf complex.

“We need greater scrutiny of TIGLS dumping of waste, dumping of hazardous materials, over use of dangerous chemicals in the form of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers, etc.

“The groundwater, streams or burns, is now polluted and contaminated, this has a severely detrimental effect on human, wildlife and plant life in the area. He added: “The contaminated water also finds its way to the sea, causing further damage to the natural environment.”

Another objection, filed by Michael Hodgson, stated the site was built on a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the creation of an independent monitoring body was a condition of approval.

Mr Hodgson added: “It is deeply concerning that the applicant has failed to meet this obligation and is now seeking to disband the group.”

Diana Dower wrote: “By his own declaration, Donald Trump does not regard ecological concerns as important.

Another wrote: “This site is a very important site as the only area of mobile dunes on mainland Scotland.

He added: “We have lots of long established golf courses in Aberdeenshire, over fifty, This course is making a loss, and therefore a second one is not needed.”

Activist Facebook group, Trump at Menie Reality Check, shared a link to the application, writing: “There is still time to make a comment on the absurd notion that Trump should do its own environmental monitoring at Menie.”

A Sepa spokesman said it had lodged objections to the application on the grounds of environmental protection and monitoring.

He added: “This includes disposal of foul water, protection of habitat and private water supplies.”

The club wrote that it “undertook an internal review of the work undertaken by Memag, its outcomes and its costs.”

Officials said: “There was no evidence of Memag adding value to the environmental monitoring undertaken...nor did Memag produce any policy, advice or guidance that added value to the role and conduct of the ecological clerk of works.

They said a review had concluded Memag was an “unnecessary and disproportionate”development management tool for the development.

The council declined to comment.