DONALD TRUMP’S bid to create a 45-acre “coastal retreat” next to his Turnberry golf course has suffered a major setback after Scottish government officials rejected the plans. 

The former US president’s Trump Organisation has been trying for over a year to transform large areas of farmland along the Firth of Clyde into hundreds of luxury retirement homes, leisure facilities and shops. 

To do this the firm had sought changes to local planning policies.

But after a year-long review of the policy changes, officials at the Scottish government’s planning and environmental appeals division have rejected the plans, it was revealed at the weekend. 

In the division’s report, issued earlier this month, officials said the proposed development was within a sensitive landscape and would have a significant impact on it.

In her decision, lead reporter Claire Milne said the firm had provided no evidence of the need for retirement housing, adding that the site was remote from medical facilities and other major services.

The Trump Organisation has said it will still be submitting a planning application for expansion plans despite the rejection.