Detailed highway design and technical approval.
Getting from planning drawings to approved highway works: detailed design coordination, technical approval and the agreement, with one transport planner keeping it on track.
Also known as: detailed design, technical approval, highway approval, Section 278 technical approval, Section 38 technical approval
What’s included.
After consent, highway works need detailed design and technical approval from the highway authority before a Section 278 or Section 38 agreement can be signed. We coordinate this with your civil engineer, keep the design true to the planning approval and deal with the council’s comments.
- Coordination with your civil engineer
- Design checks against the planning consent
- Stage 2 Road Safety Audit coordination
- Responses to technical approval comments
- Liaison on fees, bonds and programme
- Input to Section 278 and Section 38 agreements
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Keep it consistent
We make sure the detailed design still matches what was approved, so nothing has to go back to planning.
Work with your engineer
We support the civil engineer rather than duplicating their work.
Keep the programme moving
Prompt responses to the council’s comments, because approval delays hold up the start on site.
Questions we get asked
How long does technical approval take?
It varies widely between councils, from a few weeks to several months. Submitting complete, consistent information is the best way to keep it short.
Do you do the detailed engineering design?
We work alongside civil engineers who prepare the detailed design, and lead on the transport and safety side.
What fees and bonds are involved?
Councils usually charge design check and inspection fees and require a bond or cash deposit. We help you understand them early.
Often needed alongside.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Ripple Development Planning. Policy and guidance change; for advice on a specific site, send us the details.
From our insights.
Need help with detailed design and technical approval?
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