Donald Trump has appealed to the Scottish Government in an attempt to have a decision made by north-east councillors overturned.
The billionaire tycoon and US presidential candidate erected two 80ft flagpoles flying saltires outside his Menie Estate clubhouse at Trump International Golf Links last year.
But Aberdeenshire Council ordered him to remove the structures, which were installed without planning permission.
And when the retrospective application went before Formartine area committee, local councillors rejected it.
Councillors felt that it would have a “disproportionate impact” on the land – just 45ft south of the clubhouse.
Members did, however, approve a flagpole being erected near the on-site hotel, MacLeod House.
Trump International has now appealed that decision with the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA).
A site inspection will be carried out to determine if Mr Trump can fly the two flags.
Yesterday, Rob Merson, chairman of the Formartine area committee, said he did not feel strongly either way about the flag pole plans.
He said: “All I’d be prepared to say at the moment is that I am looking forward to hearing the outcome of the appeal with interest.”
The committee discussed the proposals earlier this year, and although no motion was made, they were rejected “in consensus”.
Last night, no one at Trump International was available to comment.
A spokeswoman previously branded the councillors’ decision as “bizarre”.
“To allow us to fly the national flag next to our hotel but not permit us to fly the exact same flag next to our clubhouse is nonsense,” she added.
“This is small-minded, petty politics at its worst.”
