Donald Trump flew into Scotland to unveil the plans

The US billionaire wants to create the world's greatest golf course at the Menie estate, north of Aberdeen.

Members of the local Formartine area committee will now visit the site and hold a hearing on 27 September.

Council officers have recommended backing the plans, including a 450-bedroom hotel, almost 1,000 holiday homes and about 500 private houses.

The plans centre around an environmentally-sensitive area.

'Extremely encouraged'

Planners earlier said the financial impact was significant and this was an occasion where the social and economic benefits were of national importance and should take precedence.

They said it was a proposal which no planner could have foreseen and such an opportunity must be grasped.

The Trump Organisation said it was "extremely encouraged" and "pleased" by the council report and hoped for an "informed, fair and balanced decision".

A special meeting of the Formartine area committee will take place on 30 October.