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Section 278/38 Permit

A Section 278 agreement, as outlined in the Highways Act 1980, allows developers to carry out works on public highways in Cheshire East, provided these works are part of a planning permission. These agreements are made between the developer and Cheshire East Council as the highway authority. 

Fees and Charges for Section 278/38 Permit
Activity TypeCharge on Traffic Sensitive or Strategically Significant StreetCharge on Non- Traffic Sensitive or Strategically Significant Street
Provisional Advanced Authorisation £105 £75
Major Activities (Over 10 days duration AND major activities requiring a TTRO) £240 £150
Major Activities (4 to 10 days duration) £130 £75
Major Activities (up to 3 days duration) £65 £45
Standard Activities £130 £10
Minor Activities £65 £10
Immediate Activities £60 £10
Permit Variation £45 £35

If your application is accepted, your permit will be emailed to you.

We might ask you to meet specific conditions relating to your works and the location you are working at. In some situations, we may ask for a site visit to talk about your works.

If you need any traffic management, for example permanent lights switch off’s, speed restriction, lane closure with diversion or road closure, this information must be submitted with your Section 278/38 application. There may be delays in processing your permit if you have not applied for the correct traffic management applications.

Your application will be approved if you meet all of the conditions of the Section 278/38 permit (PDF, 164KB). You must comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and codes of practice including the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice and Highways Act 1980.

If you do not comply with any of the above gulations, your permit could be withdrawn.

Once works have been completed, all signage must be removed, and any bbish must be cleared from the highway.

Page last reviewed: 17 July 2025