Apply for a Section 278 Agreement
Developers need to apply for a Section 278 Agreement (Highways Act 1980) to make alterations to the public highway for new developments.
What a Section 278 Agreement is
A Section 278 Agreement is for the alteration of the public highway for a new development, which can include:
- junctions
- traffic lights
- traffic calming
- pedestrian crossings
- roundabouts
- new access points
- road widening
You will usually need to apply for a Section 278 to comply with your planning consent.
An example of a completed Section 278
Photo of completed works showing new access point.
Photo of complete works showing road widening and new access point.
Before you can start construction
You will need to have:
- approval for all of the technical details
- a signed Agreement
- paid all the necessary fees
- a bond or cash deposit
- an approved road space booking permit
- any relevant easements and licences
View more information on our technical approval process and timescales page, or our legal process for highways development.
Before you apply
You will need to send us:
- details of the developer, landowner, surety and solicitor
- a copy of the planning permission
- construction drawings
- location plan
- a quotation from your contractor showing the value of your highway works
We will review the quotation when we receive your application to determine the fees and bond amount.
Apply
We will not process an application for a Section 278 Agreement until planning approval has been issued for 'full or reserved matters'.
Download, complete and email the application form to apply.
Email the completed form to [email protected]
View our guidance notes
For more detailed information, view our Section 278 in-depth guidance notes.
View the road adoption process flow
You can view the road adoption process flow (PDF, 79.8 KB)
Or view an accessible version of the flow chart as a (text) step-by-step process below: