Check which licence you need for your highway works

If you want us to adopt new roads

There must be sufficient public benefit for us to adopt an area of land.

If you're constructing a new development and you want us to adopt any roads, you should apply for a Section 38 Agreement.

This applies to developments of all sizes, even if the amount of road you want us to adopt is very small.

If you're asking us to adopt an existing road

There must be sufficient public benefit for us to adopt an existing road.

The road will need to have been constructed to our adoptable standards, even if the road is very old.

Making changes to the road so that it meets our adoptable standards can be an expensive process for applicants.

View request a road to be adopted by the council.

If you need to make highway improvements as part of planning permission

If you need to make improvements to the highway in compliance with your planning permission, you need to apply for a Section 278 Agreement.

If you need to create a new access point

If the new access point:

  • serves more than two properties
  • forms part of a wider development
  • is intended for:
    • industrial use
    • farming and agricultural use
    • a large volume of residential vehicles

You'll need to apply for either a Section 184 Licence or a Section 278 Agreement, depending on the size and cost of the works.

You'll need planning permission before submitting your application.

If you need to book dates for road works

If you have a completed Section 184, 278 or 38 you will need to apply for road space booking.

If you are not applying for road works as part of one of those agreements, view our highway licences pages to check the specific requirements for your works.

If you want to extend your dropped kerb