Billionaire Donald Trump's plan to establish a new £1bn golf resort on the Menie Estate in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, has formally received outline planning permission from the Scottish Government.

Following the outcome of a public inquiry into the project at the start of November, the government had given notice of its intention to grant consent before confirming the decision on 16 December. The Scottish Government called in the Trump International Golf Links Scotland scheme in December 2007 after Aberdeenshire Council refused to approve the US tycoon's plans.

Proposals for the resort include two 18-hole golf courses, a clubhouse, a caddyshack, a short-game practice area and driving range, as well as a 450-room hotel with conference centre and spa, and 950 holiday apartments. The resort will also feature 36 golf villas, accommodation for more than 400 staff and a housing development. A detailed planning application is now due to be submitted before work can begin on the project.