For the purpose of the purchase of land by agreement under this Act by a council, the Lands Clauses Acts shall be incorporated with this Act, except the provisions of those Acts with respect to the purchase and taking of land otherwise than by agreement, and section one hundred and seventy-eight of the [38 & 39 Vict. c. 55.] Public Health Act, 1875, shall apply as if the council were referred to therein.