Controversial plans by Donald Trump to build a £1bn golf resort on the Scottish coast have been given the all-clear.

The project was approved because of its ‘significant economic and social benefit’, said John Swinney, Scottish finance secretary. The ruling came after plans for the resort, which features two golf courses, a five-star hotel and housing were rejected by Aberdeenshire Council last year, although the project did have support from local business leaders. However, green activists said the project would encroach on protected sand dunes near Balmedie, north of Aberdeen.

Trump welcomed the decision and said: “We believe that the people of Scotland will be extremely happy with the final product. We will build the greatest golf course in the world.”