Technical approval for highway structures

Technical approval ensures that highway structures, such as bridges and retaining walls, are designed and constructed safely and effectively. This process involves reviewing and approving design and construction plans to meet specific standards and regulations.

It covers the design, construction, assessment, alteration, strengthening and repair of structures to ensure they meet the necessary safety, durability and serviceability standards.

Developers or designers should contact the council early in their project, via the councils dedicated mailbox: [email protected]. Note that technical approval is separate from planning approval; received planning approval does not imply that technical approval has been or will be granted.

Getting technical approval

The technical approval process involves several stages:

  • submission of outline proposal: to check the relevant category for submission
  • approval in Principle (AIP)
  • Design and Check Certificate
  • Construction Compliance Certificate

Read our guidance document for more details on the technical approval process.

Before starting the technical approval process by submitting your AIP, you must pay the associated fees, which are outlined in the guidance notes and will be agreed once the category for submission is established. 

Payment is accepted via BACs only, and documented proof of payment is required in the form of a BACs remittance advice slip. Once payment is allocated to the councils account, we will proceed with your request.

What happens next

We aim to provide an initial response within 3-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the structure. Acceptance of the AIP can take 8-12 weeks, with potential extensions in exceptional cases. Factors influencing this duration include the quality of the AIP submission and the designer's familiarity with highway codes and practices.

The AIP is valid for 3 years.  If construction hasn’t commenced within this period, the AIP will expire and a new application with associated fees will be required.

Guidance

Last updated: 10 June 2025