A TARGET date for a decision on the potential ‘relocation’ of East Links Family Park is unlikely to be met.

East Lothian Council turned down a bid to move the popular attraction from Hedderwick Farm, near West Barns, to East Fortune earlier this year.

An appeal to the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) was lodged by East Fortune Holdings Ltd, which is behind the plans.

A target date for a decision was set for today (Thursday), but it is understood that is unlikely to be met.

It remains unclear when a decision on the proposals will be made, with Reporter Robert Seaton already considering more than 160 documents.

READ MORE: What does the future hold for East Links Family Park?

The existing East Links Family Park was established more than 20 years ago.

Since opening its doors, it has become a major tourist attraction, bringing in more than 100,000 visitors each year.

However, the current lease is due to expire in two years’ time and Grant Bell, the leaseholder, wants to open a similar facility at East Fortune.

AP Dale, landowner of the current site, has already stressed that a new operator will come in to continue running the established East Links Family Park – even if plans get the green light for another facility.

According to the plans, the East Fortune site would continue as a working farm.

READ MORE: East Links Family Park: Group repeating opposition to move

It would also feature a light railway, paths through the site, a children’s play area featuring crazy golf, trampolines and pedal go-karts, alongside a farm shop and café.

The plans attracted plenty of interest from throughout the county, with more than 550 representations sent to East Lothian Council.

The majority of those – 461 – outlined opposition to the proposals.

Concerns included the potential impact on the surrounding roads and fears that both businesses would not survive.

When members of the council’s planning committee voted to turn down the scheme, the decision was near-unanimous.

Nine councillors agreed to reject the plans, with only independent councillor Kenny McLeod voting for approval.