Edinburgh could be about to push ahead with a project to extend its 18 month old tram line to serve Leith and Newhaven in the north of the city.

A meeting of councilors due to take place tomorrow will decide whether or not to proceed with a nine month first stage of project development for the proposed extension. This follows publication of an updated Outline Business Case this week, which recommends the ‘Newhaven option’ be taken forward over three alternative, shorter route options under consideration.

Council leader Andrew Burns said: “The updated Outline Business Case provides further justification for bringing the tram to Leith, clearly demonstrating the social and economic impact the extension could have on this key area of the city.”

The business case claims that the project would boost the city’s economy while delivering a range of wider benefits in relation to employment, population growth and social inclusion.

But local news sources have reported that the council’s Scottish National Party Group is set to oppose the plan on the basis that the financial case is not robust enough. In order to extend the tram system to Newhaven the Council would need to find capital funding of around £145M.

However Mr Burns added that proceeding with an initial stage of project development would “ensure robust governance, allowing financial evaluation and risk analysis to be carried out”.

Following completion of this a report would be brought back to Council recommending the way forward.

Edinburgh’s existing tram line was opened in May last year and currently runs between the airport in the west and York Place, north of the city centre.