West Sussex S278 Agreement
West Sussex S278 Agreement: Everything You Need to Know
If you`re a property owner or a developer in West Sussex, chances are you`ve come across the term « S278 agreement. » The S278 agreement refers to a legal document that is required for the construction or modification of a highway. In this article, we`ll explore the basics of the West Sussex S278 agreement, what it entails and how it can affect your development project.
What is an S278 Agreement?
An S278 agreement is a legal agreement between a developer and the local highway authority (in this case, West Sussex County Council) to ensure that any necessary work carried out on the highway as a result of a development project is completed to an acceptable standard. The agreement is established under Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 and is used to coordinate and regulate the construction or modification of a highway.
The agreement can cover a wide range of aspects including the design, construction, and maintenance of any new or altered highways. The developer is responsible for covering the cost of the work and the agreement outlines the process and timeline for funding, design, construction and completion of the project.
What does the S278 Agreement entail?
The S278 agreement can cover any aspect of the highway, but typically includes the following:
1. Access roads – agreements for the construction of access roads to and from the development site.
2. Traffic signals and roundabouts – if a development project involves modifying the traffic at an intersection, such as installing traffic lights, roundabouts, or other traffic-calming measures, the S278 agreement defines the design, installation, and maintenance of these features.
3. Footpaths and cycle paths – if footpaths and cycle paths are required for the development project, the agreement will outline their design, construction and maintenance.
4. Drainage – the agreement may specify requirements for drainage, such as installing drainage infrastructure and maintaining existing infrastructure.
5. Road markings and signs – the agreement will define requirements for the design and installation of road markings, signs and other traffic management measures.
The S278 agreement may also specify any remedial work that is required in the event of any damage caused to the highway during construction.
Why is the S278 Agreement important?
The S278 agreement ensures that highways are designed, constructed and maintained to acceptable standards and that developers are responsible for funding any necessary work. The agreement also ensures that the developer and the highway authority work together to minimize disruption to the public during construction work and that any necessary remedial work is carried out promptly.
If you fail to comply with the S278 agreement, it can result in delays to your development project and even legal action in some cases. It`s important that you work closely with the highway authority and follow the specifications outlined in the agreement to ensure that your project progresses smoothly.
How to obtain the West Sussex S278 Agreement
To obtain a West Sussex S278 agreement, you`ll need to submit an application to the County Council`s Highways Department. The application will need to include details of the proposed development and the highway modifications required, along with a traffic impact assessment that assesses the impact of the proposed development on the surrounding area.
Once your application is approved, the S278 agreement will be drawn up, specifying the details of the work required, the timeline for completion, and the financial arrangements for funding the work.
Conclusion
The S278 agreement is a crucial document for any development project in West Sussex that involves the construction or modification of a highway. It ensures that highways are designed, constructed and maintained to acceptable standards and that any necessary remedial work is carried out in a timely manner. By working closely with the highway authority and following the specifications outlined in the agreement, you can ensure that your project progresses smoothly and meets the necessary legal requirements.