The billionaire ruler of Dubai has withdrawn controversial plans to build a nine-bedroom lodge at his Scottish estate.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum dropped the scheme to expand Inverinate Estate in the Highlands amid reports of a falling out with the youngest of his six wives.
The sheikh had submitted plans for a two-storey, nine-bedroom building designed to accommodate family and friends at his home in Wester Ross, but he faced opposition from locals.
The retreat already boasts helipads and a 14-bedroom holiday home, next door to a 16-bedroom luxury hunting lodge with pool and gym.
Earlier this year he was granted permission to build a 19-bedroom lodge as well as a nine-bedroom house at the 63,000-acre estate.
However plans for a further lodge, called Ptarmigan, led to 16 objections being made to Highland Council, including the owner of a nearby bungalow close to Loch Duich.
A decision was due to be made soon on the sheikh’s application, but on Friday the plans were withdrawn.
It came after a week of claims about the private life of the 69-year-old sheikh, who has six wives and 23 children.
His youngest wife Princess Haya bint al-Hussein, 45, is said to be in hiding with her children in a London mansion after fleeing Dubai.
Her husband, one of the world’s richest men, has launched a legal action against her, thought to be related to custody over their children. A hearing in the case is set for the High Court in London on July 30.
When plans for the lodge were submitted, the sheikh’s representatives wrote it was for “exclusive use of the current landowner and guests” and that they would not be rented out to tourists.
However, the scheme angered locals including bungalow owner Roddy Macleod, 70, whose home of 35 years sits just 65ft from the proposed lodge.
He described the planned lodge as “a monstrosity” that would spoil the area.
The local community council also objected to the plans while other residents said the proposed building was “ugly” and would spoil the natural beauty of the area.
The sheikh, who has an estimated £14 billion fortune and founded the Godolphin horse racing stable, bought the estate more than 20 years ago.
