Pensioner challenges Trump's $2b resort

Donald Trump.

Donald Trump Donald Trump's plan to build a £1 billion ($2.3 billion) golf resort in northeast Scotland is being challenged in the courts by an 85-year-old woman who stands to lose her home as a result of his project.

Molly Forbes, who lives on land Trump wants to buy, filed papers with the Court of Session in Edinburgh challenging planning consents that were granted by Aberdeenshire Council, according to the Environmental Law Centre Scotland.

Forbes claims Trump failed to carry out the required environmental assessments.

"Mr Trump has been granted planning permission to demolish my home, but I do not wish to sell, and I do not wish to be forced out," Forbes said.

Trump's proposed development on the Menie estate north of Aberdeen was the subject of a public inquiry last year when the Scottish Government intervened after Aberdeenshire Council rejected the first application. In September, the municipality granted planning consent for five areas of land, including where Forbes lives. Trump may seek approval for compulsory purchase orders if Forbes and the other owners refuse to sell.

The Trump Organisation has about six months to negotiate an agreement before it needs to apply to the municipality for the purchase orders to ensure it can start building houses at the resort in two years, Donald Trump jnr said in September.

Donald Trump, 63, said that Forbes is "being used" by her son Michael, who has a "personal vendetta" against the project.

Trump wants to build two golf courses, a hotel, 500 homes and 950 short-term rental apartments on the 566ha estate.

- BLOOMBERG