Aberdeenshire Council has rejected property tycoon Donald Trump’s plans for a golf resort on the Menie estate in Balmedie, Scotland.

The infrastructure services committee debated the application for three hours before coming to a decision to refuse outline planning permission for the Trump International Golf Links project.

Seven councillors voted both for and against the golf project, with the deciding vote going to cllr Martin Ford as chair of the committee, who took the decision to refuse permission.

The refusal follows a decision of provisional approval made by the local council’s Formartine Area Committee on 21 November.

The Trump organisation now has the opportunity to appeal against the decision to Scottish ministers.

The application requested permission for two 18-hole golf courses, 450-bedroom hotel, clubhouse, golf academy and 950 holiday homes.