Plans have today been lodged with Aberdeenshire Council for the homes on a site within the Trump International Golf Links estate at Menie, near Balmedie.

Other plans for the 1,500 acre estate include 50 hotel cottages, sports centre, retail, equestrian and commercial spaces, alongside other resort related leisure facilities.

This next tranche of investment forms part of the overall £750m multi-phased development at the site and builds on the £100m invested during phase one which includes the championship golf course, extensive driving range and practice facilities, permanent clubhouse and country house hotel, MacLeod House & Lodge.  Future phases will be brought forward on a similar mixed-use basis.

The latest plans have already been granted outline approval.

The Trump Organisation has claimed that 2,000 jobs will be supported during the construction phase, with nearly 300 permanent jobs after completion.

Executive vice president of Trump International in Aberdeen, Sarah Malone, said: “After extensive market research we are bringing forward a suite of luxury homes and five-star hotel cottages which we believe meet the needs and demands of consumers today.

“From the outset, our vision was to create a world-class leisure destination and sustainable community defined by quality and authenticity.

“This next phase builds on the international reputation of our championship golf course, ranked within the top 50 golf courses in the world, and harnesses the natural beauty of this mature site providing an exceptional place to live, rest and play.

“Improvements to the region’s infrastructure and recovery signs in the economy makes this the right time to drive forward this next major phase of development.”

Richard Marsh, an economist at 4-Consulting, was commissioned to undertake a review of the proposal.

He calculated that the development would strengthen the area’s economy by more than £250m.

Mr Marsh said: “This is a major investment which has the potential to support thousands of jobs and help to broaden and diversify the region’s economy.”

Speaking from Trump headquarters in New York, Eric Trump, who now leads The Trump Organisation with his brother, Don Jr said: “We own a truly phenomenal property along the coast of North East Scotland and remain fully committed to our long-term vision for the site.  The timing is now right for us to release the next phase of investment and the significant economic benefits this brings. Initial interest to our plans have been incredible and, subject to detailed planning approval, we are aiming to break ground next year.”

Aberdeenshire Council will consider the plans in the coming months.