Donald Trump's family buy cottages near Aberdeenshire golf course

Donald Trump's estate team in Aberdeenshire have bought five cottages next to his Balmedie golf course.

The American president elect and businessman has submitted plans to revamp the former Coastguard Cottages at Menie.

Under the proposal, the vacant homes would be renovated with porches added to their front entrances.

Two single storey extensions would also be added to the back of the properties.

While no change of use has been sought, it is understood the cottages could be used as holiday homes.

The buildings can only be accessed through the Trump International Golf Links at Balmedie.

According to planning documents, extensions that had previously been added to the rear of the cottages will be removed as they are “no longer fit for purpose”.

Meanwhile, further extensions found at the front of the homes will be demolished as they have been found to be in a state of disrepair.

Developers also argue that removing them would help with the planned refurbishment work.

Parking spaces currently next to the properties will stay in place and won’t be affected by the building works.

It’s believed this latest proposal will tie-in to the business mogul’s larger £150 million project to build 500 homes on the Menie estate.

But, the plan has already attracted some concern from a familiar name to the Trump team at Menie.

David Milne, who famously battled the businessman over his 18-hole course before it was constructed, has sent his worries to Aberdeenshire Council.

He noted that a number of trees have been removed without permission.

And, he asked for assurance that access to his home would remain at all times if construction is given the go-ahead.

The neighbour also wanted clarity on what the renovated cottages would be used for once the works are complete.