CONSERVATIONISTS are calling for a planning system in which developers deliver their promised benefits to local communities, before they irrevocably damage the environment.

The change was proposed in the wake of Donald Trump's comment that he would not spend more on his planned golf resort at Menie, Aberdeenshire after losing his legal challenge against the Scottish Government's decision to consent to 11 offshore turbines nearby.

He has withdrawn his application for a second golf course.

According to critics, Menie's environmentally important sand dune system, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, has been ruined by the laying of Mr Trump's first golf course.

Aedán Smith, head of Planning and Development for RSPB Scotland said if the Trump Organisation was to abandon its plans for full investment, it would be "incredibly frustrating".

He said RSPB Scotland and many others had strongly opposed the development because of the environmental damage it would cause. But they were overruled by the Scottish Government, who considered the economic and social advantages of the project would outweighed the harm caused to the environment.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the planning permission was subject to many conditions to protect the environmental sensitivity of the site.

She said: "These conditions are being monitored and enforced by Aberdeenshire Council."

A spokeswoman for Trump International said plans for Menie would have progressed more quickly had it not been for the turbines issue.