Mr Trump has visited the sand dunes where the course would be

However, an environmental impact report claims the resort would result in "significant adverse changes" to the area at Balmedie.

The US tycoon's plans include two championship golf courses, a five-star hotel and nearly 1,000 holiday homes.

A complete application has now been lodged with Aberdeenshire Council.

The Trump Organisation's full application includes environmental, economic and traffic assessments.

Estimates for the cost of the project have ranged from �300m up to �1bn.

'Adverse changes'

Developers say it could generate tens of millions of pounds for the local economy and secure hundreds of jobs.

However, concerns have been raised over potential threats to wildlife as part of the land is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The warning is contained in a non-technical summary of the environmental assessment which was lodged with the council.

It states: "There will be significant adverse changes to the Foveran SSSI and the coastal Site of Interest to Natural Science (SINS) on the development site, resulting in changes to the dune formation processes and losses of dune habitat with significant adverse effects on flora and fauna.

The RSPB are concerned about geese in the area

"For example, sky lark will experience a significant reduction in their numbers."

The report recommends "specific mitigation measures" to counter these problems.

These include creation of new dune flaks, plant and habitat translocation and the creation of a new habitat for breading birds.

RSPB Scotland has also expressed concern over the potential impact of the planned development.

Robin Payne, area manager for Grampian with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), said: "SNH staff have been advising both Aberdeenshire Council and Trump Golf Links on the natural heritage of the proposed site.

"As with any other planning application we will examine the potential impacts objectively and respond with our advice to the council."

Leisure facilities

Scottish Enterprise Grampian said it was excited about the potential for economic growth the development would bring.

Chief executive Jennifer Craw said: "Tourism is vitally important to our economy and we need to encourage more growth if we are to successfully diversify our economy.

"To do this, we need the type of leisure facilities and infrastructure to help us compete with other leading locations around the world and securing high-quality, large-scale resort developments would put us on that footing.

"It is good news that the full plans have now been lodged which will clear the way for the planning process to take place and a decision to be reached in due course.''