The council wants to speed up the construction of flood defences

Plans for two major flood prevention schemes, on the Braid Burn and the Water of Leith, were submitted five years ago but work has yet to begin.

The council's executive heard that the delays are unacceptable and the planning procedures are "onerous".

Edinburgh has suffered repeated flooding, most recently in 2000.

The council wants the Scottish Executive to streamline the flood defence process by limiting public objections and giving greater powers to local authorities to maintain the structures once they are constructed.

Every time there is a lot of heavy rain, I look anxiously at the river John Hannah Local resident

Keith Rimmers, head of Edinburgh City Council's transport department, said delays had been unfortunate.

He said: "These schemes always take a lengthy time to implement unfortunately, but what we have discovered during this process is that there is scope for streamlining procedures and saving a bit of time."

The Scottish Executive said it would listen to any recommendations from the council.

'Very frustrating'

A spokeswoman said: "The Scottish Executive will consider the proposals once they have been brought forward."

Residents living near the Murrayfield area badly affected by flooding in the past are supporting the council's proposals.

John Hannah, who was unable to move back into his house in Liberton for five months following flooding, said red tape delays had been "very frustrating".

He said: "Every time there is a lot of heavy rain, I look anxiously at the river wondering if we are going to experience another flood.