Windfarm bosses want to increase the height of turbines to more than 650ft - to help win more business.

The team behind the proposal for Aberdeen Bay say changes are needed to accommodate the latest windmill technology.

And they said firms were queuing up to use the site.

But the move was blasted by Donald Trump, who has threatened to abandon plans to build a £750 million resort at his nearby golf course.

The tycoon said: "As the many accolades about my course in Scotland continue to accumulate, the battle against these abominations has become even more urgent."

The £230m European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre - which must be approved by Scottish Ministers - would see 11 turbines sited a mile-and-a-half offshore between Blackdog and Balmedie.

Project spokesman Iain Todd said: "In keeping with the demonstrator concept we decided to make minor adjustments to the project dimensions to accommodate the tallest of these turbines in the event that we procure them.

"We are confident that our careful design results in a barely-perceptible increase in visual and environmental effects."

He added: "We believe the proposed adjustment gives the scheme, Aberdeen City and Shire, and Scotland the best possible chance to be genuine world leaders in offshore wind.

"It would help to attract a new wave of inward investment and capture the major jobs creation that will come with this.

"Cities like Bremerhaven in Germany and Esbjerg in Denmark are already taking advantage and prospering from the growth in this expanding industry. So should Aberdeen."

Mr Todd said "six working agreements" had been signed with manufacturers to use the site.

Under the revisions, the maximum height would increase by 3.5m to 198.5m (651ft) and increase the maximum radius of the blades by up to 11m.

These turbines would be placed furthest from shore. Closer to shore, the maximum height would decrease from 195m to 180.5m.

Donald Trump, whose resort plan at the Menie Estate includes a five-star hotel, branded the latest development "horrendous".

He said: "The 11 80-storey wind turbines will ominously hover over Aberdeen City and Aberdeen Harbour, ruining its majestic beauty."

The EOWDC, which has European Union grant of £32m, is being developed by Vattenfall, offshore engineering services company Technip and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group.

A decision on the plan - submitted to Marine Scotland a year - is expected before the end of the year.

dewen@ajl.co.uk

Copyright 2012 Aberdeen Journals Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

(Originally published August 7, 2012, in Aberdeen Evening Express.)