Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 07 October 2020
There are several different issues there. The first answer is no, there is no plan to stop the project. We are still very much committed to it. It represents £120 million of investment and forms part of the south-east Scotland city region deal, which we are progressing.
The review is looking at the feasibility and desirability of enhancing active travel and public transport infrastructure in the project—that is where there is a specific focus. The need to do that is reflected in the statutory process that has to be undertaken. Where objections are received—and there have been objections—we have to try to address them. If we cannot get the objections removed, the matter will go to a public local inquiry. All that determines the timescale for delivery of the project.
There is a statutory process that we have to undertake. Part of that process gives landowners, residents and businesses the opportunity to make objections, and those have to be taken seriously and considered. That is exactly what is happening at this point. Once that statutory process has concluded, the timeframe for the completion of the project can be set.