Fears that a new railway station will become a white elephant have been raised as councillors gave it the go ahead despite not knowing how many trains would use it.

Questions about the service which would be provided from the station went unanswered as councillors were asked to approve plans for East Linton train station.

And concerns were also raised that the tannoy system on the raised platform would be “heard all across the village”.

Network Rail told a meeting of East Lothian Council’s planning committee today that the new station was an “exciting” project which would be “designed to be sympathetic” to its surroundings.

The rail firm’s lead town planner Nicola Slaven said: “It will support local communities and the economy, creating a fully accessible station for all.”

However, she was unable to say how many trains would serve the station on a daily basis when asked by ward councillor Sue Kempson, adding that decision was taken by Transport Scotland.

Councillor Sue Kempson said: “The number of stopping trains will be absolutely critical.

“I think East Linton stands to lose more than it gains from this train station.”

East Lothian Courier: An artist impression of the new East Linton railway station

Councillor Lachlan Bruce highlighted Reston Railway Station, which is being built in the Borders and has been revealed to be only being used for some cross-border trains.

He said: “We have to ensure this does not become a white elephant. I am disappointed Transport Scotland are not here (at the meeting), I think Reston is getting four trains a day.”

East Linton Railway Station has been 10 years in the planning and Ms Slaven told the committee that, once planning permission was granted work, would begin building the station “as soon as possible”.

Funding for new stations at East Linton and Reston was approved at the same time and Reston is due to open next year.

The new East Linton  station will have 126 car parking spaces with 20 for electric vehicles and plans to future proof the car park for more electric vehicles are included.

It will have a footbridge between the platform,s linked together with lift towers to make it accessible to all.

Transport Scotland has been asked to comment on the concerns raised and plans for future services.

Following a site visit to the new station area, planning convenor Norman Hampshire also raised concerns about the public address system.

He pointed out that the platform would be six metres high and a speaker would normally be another three metres above that.

He said: “Everyone in the village will be able to hear announcements.”

Planners agreed to ask for a noise report to be approved as part of planning conditions to address the concerns.