Environmental Concerns Land Golf Couse Plans In Rough

"The billionaire property developer wants to turn sand dunes at the Menie Estate, 15 miles north of Aberdeen, into a $2 billion golf resort - complete with two 18-hole courses, a luxurious 450-bedroom hotel, 950 vacation homes, 36 golf villas and 500 upscale homes costing from $800,000 to $2 million each."

"Standing in his way are the current inhabitants of the unspoiled sandy beach with rolling dunes: seven species of endangered birds including Skylarks and breeding waders, particularly Lapwings and Redshank on the World Conservation Union's 'Red List.'"

"Residents in the quiet nearby village of Balmedie also are up in arms over the proposed resort, branding it a 'gated community' with too many houses that would spoil the bucolic atmosphere of the area."