First look at plans for new East Links Family Park at East Fortune

Members of the public were given their first chance to look at the proposals for East Fortune Farm on Friday afternoon.

More than 120 people attended the exhibition, which showcased the proposals from Grant Bell, who manages the existing East Links Family Park near West Barns, and the farm’s Jane Brand.

Grant Bell, from East Links Family Park, and Jane Brand, of East Fortune Farm, are planning to work together on the new project.

Tony Thomas, from APT Planning and Development, who is representing the applicants, felt that there was a good turnout at the event, with 30 feedback forms also received since the event.

He said that there had been “a mixed bag” of feedback, with immediate neighbours raising concerns about disturbance, noise and the change of views.

He added concerns were “mainly” to do with cars and traffic, and if the roads and junctions could cope with additional vehicles.

A consultants report has already been commissioned in a bid to see what the impact would be on the surrounding roads.

READ MORE: East Links Family Park looking to move to East Fortune Farm

According to the display boards, the site would continue as a working farm, with visitor access “to enable viewing of livestock in order to deepen understanding and awareness of farming, food production and the countryside”.

Paths would be created throughout the site, with attractions including the play area. A repurposed central building accommodating a shop, cafe, toilet and admission facilities would also be on the site.

Proposals for a new family park at East Fortune Farm have been revealed to the public. The caravan site would be moved to the bottom left of the site, with a sizeable play area at the heart of the site. See colour key below:

One display board was titled “an opportunity for East Links Family Park and East Fortune”.

It read: “It is a story of investment and diversification – set to continue with the merger.

“Economic boost for the area and local businesses – ensure East Lothian retains this important destination – jobs, visitor spend, investment. Great central county location close to the county town, A1 and three rail stations.

“Merger is a great combination – family and farming values.”

However, a number of people are concerned about the proposals.

READ MORE: Neighbours objecting to East Links Family Park's move to East Fortune

Worries were raised about the impact on roads, as well as the park creating noise and light pollution.

Local businessman and farmer James Logan has agreed to co-ordinate objections in the run-up to a public meeting in Athelstaneford Village Hall on April 20.

Mr Logan said: “People are extremely worried that this proposal will have a massive detrimental impact on the area round East Fortune Farm.

“Forty houses will be directly affected by noise and traffic disturbance, and there is a real risk the roads will be overwhelmed.”

The landowner at the existing family park, which first opened in 2002, told the Courier last week that when Mr Bell’s lease ran out, a new tenant would move in.

A spokesman for AP Dale said new investment and new ideas would result in the farm park becoming bigger and better.

Mr Logan said a number of people had not realised that there could be two parks in the county.

He said: “It is simply not a suitable site for a development like this, especially when the original park is carrying on – two parks in East Lothian seems unnecessary.”

A second event will be held in May, with responses going on to help shape a planning application.

The formal planning application is expected to be submitted to East Lothian Council in early summer with a decision potentially reached before the end of the year.

It is hoped the “relocation” would then take place in 2025.