A SECOND car park at a village’s railway station has moved a step closer to reality after plans were submitted to East Lothian Council.

The number of parking spaces at Longniddry Railway Station will almost double if the proposals, which have been submitted by the council’s roads department, are approved.

Currently the station, off the village’s Main Street, provides 73 spaces, including three spaces which are reserved for disabled people.

The new car park would be to the east of the current facility and would be accessed via a new entrance off the B1377.

It would accommodate 62 vehicles, including a further three disabled bays and two charging points for electrical vehicles. The two car parks would be linked by a footpath.

David Rose, chairman of the village’s community council, felt that the additional spaces were very much needed.

He said: “We have been fighting for this for probably eight to 10 years.

“The community council has been pushing for that and we have had various meetings with ScotRail and the council’s roads department.”

Mr Rose told the Courier that the station car park was often full to capacity, with vehicles spilling out onto neighbouring roads.

He said: “Vehicles are on Main Street and down Lyars Road.

“Cars go right down, literally, to the end of the village.

“It has been quite busy just now due to Christmas, with more people going Christmas shopping and more people using the station.”

Longniddry is set to grow in size, with a large-scale expansion of the village to the south of the railway line due to deliver more than 400 new homes.

Meanwhile, more than 100 homes are to be constructed at the western edge of Aberlady, which Mr Rose felt would also put increased pressure on the railway station car park at Longniddry. In 2014-15, the number of exits and entries at the station was estimated at 191,620.

In developing the proposals, the council looked at five different options, which included a one-way system through a single extended car park, as well as a separate car park operating a one-way system.

But it was felt option five, which it is estimated will cost in the region of £280,000, was the best choice.

Ward councillor Fiona O’Donnell said: “I am looking forward to looking at the proposal but there is a definite need for car parking at Longniddry.”