The Trump Organisation is ready to use the courts to block a key part of a controversial offshore wind development.
American billionaire Donald Trump has already mounted a legal challenge against the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) on the grounds that it will jeopardise the development of his £750million golf resort at Menie, north of Aberdeen.
A vital part of the EOWDC infrastructure is a proposed electricity substation at Blackdog. The £230million, 11-turbine renewable energy test-bed needs the substation to feed power into the National Grid.
But residents fear that disturbing the old landfill site at Hareburn Terrace, at Blackdog, as part of the scheme could pose dangers. Developer Vattenfall has said the wind technology research centre cannot go ahead without it, although it does have an alternative site in mind.
George Sorial, executive vice-president of the Trump Organisation, said that based on the level of local opposition, he expected a legal challenge if Aberdeenshire councillors give the substation planning permission.
Mr Trump was ready to follow the same avenue if need be, he added.
“We lodged an objection to it, and if the Aberdeenshire Council Formartine area committee approve it we will challenge that proposal as well,” Mr Sorial said.
“Be very clear – we are looking to prevent the construction of the EOWDC and are willing to do what is necessary to push that process forward.”
Protesters in Blackdog revealed a legal challenge was a possibility if councillors back the substation plan next month.
Resident Edna Booth, 80, said: “It has been on our mind, I must admit. We might well do it, with a bit of help. We are only a small village.”
Much will depend on the outcome of the October 29 area committee meeting.
Mrs Booth, who lives 500 yards from the site, fears that if planning permission is rejected, Vattenfall will challenge the ruling, putting the application in the hands of Scottish ministers.
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