Discussions have been taking place over the proposed work for an improved East Linton Station, in East Lothian.

Recently 30 members of the public joined an online meeting regarding the planning application submitted by Network Rail for East Linton Station in December 2020.

The station is on the East Coast Mainline to Edinburgh.

Various questions and issues were raised, with Network Rail’s team doing their best to answers them. Some of the questions asked and answered by Network Rail were:-

1. Why are we building a footbridge/lifts and not the existing underpass?
   The primary driver for a footbridge and lifts is to deliver step-free access across the railway and on to both platforms. 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. This leads to the lifts being at three levels; ground – platform – bridge. The footbridge has to sit at a safe height over the electric wires. Consequently, these factors combine to mean that the lifts can appear to be both visible and imposing – but unavoidably so.
2. How long will it take to build the station?
   We are still working with our contractors to develop plans to deliver the work. Typically, projects of this kind can take 12-18 months to deliver but the exact timing of work is subject to when we can agree on closures of the railway (possessions) to safely carry out certain elements of the work. When we have the appropriate permissions and consents in place, we will be able to confirm exactly when the work can take place and how long it will take.

These type of meetings are very successful, allowing the public to understand projects better and suggest their ideas and both Network Rail and East Lothian Council can gain a better understanding of the needs of the people who will use the station.

Anyone interested in sharing their views is welcomed to do so through the Council’s planning process.

Councillor Paul McLennan who represents the Dunbar and East Linton ward on East Lothian Council 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.”

“I look forward to working with all partners to resolve any issues outstanding”

Network Rail’s lead planner for the East Linton station development Nicola Slaven said, “We have worked closely with the council and other local partners and stakeholders to develop the best possible design proposal for the new station at East Linton. The feedback we have received to date has been hugely positive and it is evident that there is great local support for the project.”

“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.”

More information about the project at East Linton station can be found at https://scotlandsrailway.com/projects/east-linton-station

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