By Steve Bargeton, political editor

A PUBLIC inquiry will be held into Donald Trump’s controversial plans to build a £1 billion golf resort near Aberdeen.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said yesterday the proposals required consideration at a national level.

The Trump organisation described the decision as “disappointing,” but said it would not be pulling out.

Ministers called in the plan to build 1500 houses and two golf courses on the Menie Estate north of Aberdeen after it was narrowly rejected by Aberdeenshire Council.

MSPs have been investigating the role played by ministers, including First Minister Alex Salmond, who is the local MSP.

Mr Swinney gave his reasons why it will now be the subject of a full public inquiry.

“This application raises issues of importance that require consideration at a national level,” he said.

“Given the nature of the application and the considerable public interest it is important that the process to examine the issues is as efficient, transparent and inclusive as possible.”

The finance secretary said he has asked the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) to agree a timetable for handling the case.

Following the inquiry, it will still be up to Mr Swinney to give the application the green light or not.

He was determined there should be no unnecessary delay in considering the application and would make his decision within 28 days of the DPEA report.

Trump organisation spokesman George Sorial insisted it would not be pulling out.

“Today’s announcement is obviously disappointing for the Trump organisation, and Donald Trump has carefully deliberated over the next steps,” he said.

He added, “We need to know how much longer we will have to wait...

“This is a regrettable setback, but we are not going to give up before the finishing line when the prize for Scotland is so important.

“Mr Trump wants to build something that Scotland and the Trump Organisation can be fiercely proud of for generations.”

Scottish Tory MSP David McLetchie said, “Let us hope that the process, including a local public inquiry, does not drag on for too long —otherwise Trump may carry out its early threat to up sticks and go off to Northern Ireland or elsewhere.”

Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, said, “We are very pleased that Mr Swinney has decided to hold a public inquiry where the environmental impacts of this proposal can be fully considered and the potential solutions explored.”