Donald Trump’s £1billion golf development in Aberdeenshire is to get under way tomorrow after the council approved a planning application.

The decision was made despite claims from opponents of the development that such a ruling could be illegal.

The Trump Organisation had applied to begin dune stabilisation work at the Menie Estate.

Two councillors at the Formartine Area Committee meeting in Elgin withdrew from the debate after claiming there was “outstanding legal doubt” that the group had the power to rule on the application.

Councillor Debra Storr called for the decision to be deferred for independent legal advice was backed by Councillor Paul Johnston but all other councillors on the committee voted to proceed with the meeting.

Representatives from the Trump Organisation and around 20 opponents to the scheme packed into meeting at the Kirk Centre in Ellon.

The Committee heard from lawyers working for Donald Trump and several opponents to his development. The billionaire's son, Donald Trump Jnr, also attended.

In a statement Mr Trump Jnr said: "We are pleased to announce that work on site will begin tomorrow, ahead of schedule, to build the greatest golf course in history.  

“For a golf course there are no dunes and there is no land as large and magnificent anywhere in the world. I want to thank Aberdeenshire Council, the business community and the residents of Aberdeenshire for their ongoing support.”  

The Committee has granted Trump Organisation to begin planting Marram grass on dunes at the Menie Estate.

The company says the grass is essential to stabilise the dunes, and work is now set to get under way tomorrow.

Protestors have claimed the work will ruin an important environmental site.

A letter sent to Aberdeenshire Council from the Tripping Up Trump protest group and Menie Estate resident David Milne stated they would pursue legal action if a decision was made on Tuesday.