(1) The councillors for an area that is divided into wards are to be elected in accordance with either section 280 or 281.
(2) The method of election under section 280 (method 1) is to apply unless a decision made at a constitutional referendum is in force which--(a) requires the method of election under section 281 (method 2) to apply, and(b) specifies the number of councillors each of whom is to be elected by an electorate comprising all the electors for a ward and the number of councillors (if any) each of whom is to be elected by an electorate comprising all the electors for the area.