Fears have been raised that a multi-million-pound flood defence scheme for Stonehaven could be delayed.
The infrastructure and services committee of Aberdeenshire Council agreed to the Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme with modifications.
But as there were 11 objections to the proposal it will now go to Scottish ministers for consideration.
Within 56 days of ministers being asked for their consideration, they will advise whether or not they will consider the scheme.
If ministers decide to consider the project there will be a public local inquiry.
David MacDonald, of Stonehaven Flood Action Group, said the decision by councillors to approve the scheme with modifications was welcomed.
He added: “It has taken three years to get to this stage and it is really important that we got to this point.
“It is also very much welcome that they have made some modifications.
“This is a positive step forward. No scheme is perfect and there are still some reservations about whether the walls need to be so high, but we do need to have protection and the walls can protect the town.”
Work on the scheme was expected to get under way next year, but could be delayed now by two years due to unresolved objections.
If Scottish ministers decide not to consider the scheme then it will be returned to the council.
The local authority will then conduct a hearing over the proposal.
In both situations an independent reporter will be appointed to hear the arguments and recommendations.
Mr MacDonald, who is a member of Dunnottar Church which has been flooded in the past, said it would be beneficial for the scheme to be in place as soon as possible.
He added: “We would like it to happen quicker but there are still some objections outstanding so it does have to go to the Scottish Government, so there will most likely be a delay.
“We really want to get a permanent flood protection in place as quickly as possible whatever the reservations.”
The scheme is designed to protect homes and businesses along the River Carron which burst its banks in 2009 and 2012.
Properties and belongings were destroyed as a result.
In a bid to protect them in the future, the scheme would include a 1.8 metre (5ft 9in) high wall at Carron Terrace. A number of residents living on Carron Terrace objected due to the height of the wall and the detrimental impact it would have on the town.
One of the modifications put forward by council officers was to have one-third of the wall partially made by self-cleaning glass.
John Briggs, who owns the Persian Rugs business in Stonehaven, is one of the objectors.
He has raised concerns about the height of the wall and the impact it will have on his grade C-listed building.
He added: “There were certainly people upholding their objections. I think they were keen to get more information and there were questions around the modelling of the rock armour as well.
“My big issue is building the wall so close to my wall and the impact the scheme would have on my building.”