East Lothian Council has advanced its plans for the proposed Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme by formally asking Scottish Ministers to hold a Public Local Inquiry (PLI) into the proposals.

The request follows a special Council meeting on 30 September where the current outline design was confirmed without modifications, but with an approved amendment to seek the PLI.

The proposed scheme is a major intervention aimed at mitigating flood risks from the river, the coast, and the increasing impacts of climate change for as many as 3,200 properties in the Musselburgh area. The Council has now notified Scottish Ministers, who have extended their decision period by 28 days and are expected to advise the Council of their position by 19 December.

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Council Leader Norman Hampshire stressed that a PLI would be a vital step: "A PLI would give anyone with an objection to the current proposals the opportunity to express their concerns before Ministers make their decision."

The scheme's outline design includes extensive measures such as:

• River Defences: New physical defences along the River Esk Corridor and Coastal Foreshore, and river restoration works along the Esk corridor.

• Bridge and Debris Control: Replacement of four existing bridges and the provision of a large debris catcher located upstream of the town.

• Water Management: Modification of two reservoirs in the South Esk catchments and engineering works on the Pinkie Burn.

• Infrastructure: Creation of new drainage and pumping stations, and modification of Fisherrow Harbour to incorporate it into the coastal defences.

The Council held over 50 meetings with objectors after a significant public consultation process. Collaboration is ongoing with partners such as NatureScot and the RSPB to resolve outstanding objections, while Historic Environment Scotland has already withdrawn its objection. The Scottish Government is expected to provide 80 per cent of the eligible cost, as the works constitute part of the National Flood Protection Scheme Programme.