NETWORK Rail has vowed that East Linton Railway Station will be open within four years – if it gets approved.

A detailed planning application to allow a station to return to the village for the first time in more than 50 years was unveiled last month.

Representatives from Network Rail attended a virtual meeting late last month, also attended by Dunbar and East Linton ward member Councillor Paul McLennan and more than 30 other interested parties, including East Linton residents.

Members of the public were able to ask the development team a series of questions about the proposed development, which would be accessed by vehicles coming through Andrew Meikle Grove.

Among the concerns were the proximity of the station to the village’s primary school and the creation of a footbridge over the line.

According to the developer, the possibility of utilising an underpass was found not to be an option.

They said: “While we looked at the underpass as a legitimate option to provide a step-free route across the railway, the distance of the walking route that this would create (measured from platform to platform) would mean that it would not be compliant with current guidance on how we create accessible and user-friendly stations. While we appreciate that the lift towers are significant structures, their scale is necessary for a number of reasons.

“The railway at this location is electrified using overhead wires and sits on an embankment.”

Safety was also described as Network Rail’s “top priority” and they vowed to “take every opportunity” to educate people on “appropriate behaviour” around the railway.

Nicola Slaven, Network Rail’s lead planner for the East Linton station development, said: “The feedback we have received to date has been hugely positive and it is evident that there is great local support.

“Earlier engagement with the community has resulted in the plans being further refined to reflect comments shared with us and we are grateful that the community has taken the time to engage with the project and offer their views.

“Following this meeting, we will revise the Q&A section of the project web pages and will continue to update and share information with the community as soon as we can.”

Mr McLennan was pleased with the attendance at the meeting and urged members of the public to look at the proposals and have their say.

He said: “I was delighted to host the meeting as local councillor following questions from the community about the planning application.

“It was a well-attended meeting with representatives from Network Rail, East Lothian Council planning, primary school, community council and RAGES (Rail Action Group East of Scotland). I look forward to working with all partners to resolve any issues outstanding.”

East Linton Railway Station closed in 1964, with a more than two-decade campaign to see a station return to the village.

The new station, which features parking for more than 125 vehicles, including 18 electric vehicle charging spaces, will be considered by East Lothian Council.

Pedestrian access is also available from the eastern side of the line.