A DECISION on the proposed “relocation” of a popular farm-themed family park could finally be made next month.

Grant Bell, who has been at the helm of East Links Family Park for more than 20 years, revealed plans at the beginning of last year to open an attraction at East Fortune Farm.

The landowner of the current site, AP Dale, has already stressed the existing attraction, near West Barns, will continue to operate.

Proposals for the attraction at East Fortune have been lodged with East Lothian Council’s planning department.

Last week, the Courier revealed that the local authority’s economic development team had backed the proposals.

READ MORE: Council accused of 'blatant cover-up' on East Fortune family park bid

But now the road services team has said it will “not be able to support the proposals”.

The latest decision has been welcomed by campaign group Stop the Theme Park, which opposes the plans.

David Johnston, spokesperson for the group, described the findings as “common sense”.

He described the prospect of “hundreds of extra cars” using the route as “terrifying” and said: “The vast majority of concerns we have heard and we know have been submitted to the council as formal objections are about road safety.

“This is a quiet backwater of narrow roads with dangerous junctions that could not possibly cope with a massive increase in traffic without a consequent rise in accidents.”

READ MORE: More than 400 objections made to plans for family park at East Fortune

East Links is visited by more than 100,000 people each year.

However, Mr Bell, whose lease at the site at Hedderwick Farm is set to expire in 2026, has teamed up with the Brand family at East Fortune to come forward with the new proposals.

The new site would feature a range of animals, a light railway and play areas.

It is thought the application could go before the council’s planning committee on May 7.

Tony Thomas, of APT Planning and Development, is representing the applicant, East Fortune Holdings Ltd.

READ MORE: Plans for family park at East Fortune Farm now revealed in full

He said: “Over the course of any complex application, there are many issues raised and need to be addressed during the determination process.

“These have included a wide range of issues, including economic benefits, ecological impacts, noise impacts and transport-related impacts – all of which the applicant has gone above and beyond to respond to.

“In advance of any future committee date, we will continue to liaise with the various council departments to help address and clarify any outstanding points as there may be.

“We continue to believe that there are significant benefits from the proposals should they get the go-ahead.”