The two remaining objections to the £21million flood scheme in Rothes have been withdrawn, clearing the way for an early start on site.

The public local inquiry into objections will not now be required – removing a potentially lengthy delay to the scheme’s progress – and Scottish Ministers will be able to confirm the scheme early next year.

As the objections have been withdrawn at this point in the planning process, no delay has resulted in the planning process.

Convener of Moray Council, Councillor George McIntyre, said he was delighted that the objectors, Mr and Mrs Binnie and Mr Innes, were able to withdraw.

“This agreement is the culmination of hard work by council staff and the people affected by the scheme,” he said.

“Their homes are being demolished as part of the scheme, so the impact is quite devastating for them.

“Moray Council has worked very hard to ensure that the compensation arrangements meet their needs and are sufficient to allow them to plan ahead and have new homes ready before work starts on that part of the scheme.

“It is a very complicated scheme and by far the most difficult of all the Moray flood alleviation projects, so for work to start on site only five years after we commenced the initial studies would be an excellent outcome.”

Work should start next spring on the first phase, providing SEPA licences come through in time and the Scottish Government agrees the planning approval.

Rothes councillor Pearl Paul said: “I am delighted that the problems facing objectors have now been resolved and that all objections have been withdrawn.

“The people of Rothes have had so many flooding incidents since the floods of 2002 it will be a comfort to them to know that a key milestone has been reached.

“The co-operation of the people of Rothes has done much to ensure an early start to this scheme.”