Section 278

A section 278 agreement (or s278) is a section of the Highways Act 1980 that allows developers to enter into a legal agreement with the council to make permanent alterations or improvements to a public highway, as part of a planning approval.

  • If you start work without the necessary approval, legal action can be taken against you. The grant of technical approval is not permission to commence works. This can occur your business fines
  • Work affecting the highway can only begin when both the following have happened:
  • s278 agreement is signed by the developer and the council (with performance bond agreed). All pre-commencement requirements listed in the s278 agreement have been met and approved by the council.