Published: Thursday, 8th May, 2008 14:00
Caroline versus Trump in golf planning battle
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Helensburgh single mother and businesswoman Caroline Weintz is heading for a showdown with multi-billionaire Donald Trump and his corporate machine.
Caroline, who is managing director of Fan Hitter PR, hit the national headlines last week with news that she is taking on the US tycoon and his corporate entourage in what has already turned out to be one of the biggest planning battles in Scotland’s history.
Her client, high profile Aberdeenshire councillor, Martin Ford, last November used his casting vote to reject Donald Trump’s planning application to build a controversial golf course, 900 luxury holiday homes and 500 houses on a site of special scientific interest on the Aberdeenshire coastline.
Subsequently, Councillor Ford was removed from his position as chair of the Infrastructure Services Committee of Aberdeenshire Council but has vigorously pursued the matter since.
Following the rejection of the application, it has been called in by the Scottish Government and will culminate in a public inquiry in June in which Councillor Ford and Donald Trump will both appear personally to give evidence. It has also been the subject of a Scottish Parliament inquiry by the Local Government and Communities Committee after First Minister Alex Salmond facilitated a meeting between the multi-billionaire and Scotland’s chief planner soon after the plan was rejected by the council.
Caroline said: “I have a strong interest in both planning and environmental matters and had been following the events surrounding the controversial Trump planning application for sometime. I approached Councillor Ford on behalf of Fan Hitter PR to offer support and advice following the disgraceful removal of him from the Infrastructure Services Committee of Aberdeenshire Council. I clearly recognised that a great injustice had been carried out and that there were huge principles of democracy at stake – this remains the case.
“This is not just about a simple planning application. As well as ensuring that the very precious and sensitive environment is protected, it is also about making sure that the democratic process is followed and that these remain uninfluenced by someone’s wealth or influence.
Caroline added: “I certainly don’t feel intimidated by the wealth of Mr Trump or his ability to pour vast amounts of money into his own PR campaign – after all there are some things that money just can’t buy.”
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