The Elgin and Moray areas have suffered with flooding

The area has a history of devastating floods and, if the plan goes ahead, it would be the largest scheme of its kind anywhere in Scotland.

Work on the project, which centres around Elgin, could begin next year.

However, if there are any objections to it, there will be a public enquiry. Moray Council said it was moving as quickly as possible.

Convener Eddie Coutts told BBC Scotland: "If I was in the position of people with flooding in their homes I would probably have a degree of impatience.