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Class L: buildings on an airbase for air transport
Class L permits the Crown to use buildings within an airbase perimeter for air transport services or other flying activities at that airbase.
This is an England permitted development right in Part 19 of Schedule 2 to the GPDO. The relevant conditions and restrictions must be checked against the proposal.
Need help with permitted development?
Permitted development can avoid a full planning application, but only if the right applies and every relevant limit and condition is met. Planning Geek can check the planning history, Article 4 directions and other restrictions, and help with a lawful development certificate or prior approval where needed.
How Class L works
This is a change of use right for existing buildings. The expression “air transport services” has the meaning in section 82 of the Airports Act 1986. Check the airbase definition in Paragraph U before relying on the right.
Read the current official Part 19 legislation for the complete wording and any amendments. Planning Geek can advise on the planning position and coordinate with appropriate specialists where needed.
Related: Crown land enforcement
Legislation for Class L
Class L – use of buildings by the Crown on an airbase connected to air transport services etc
Permitted development
L. The use of buildings by or on behalf of the Crown within the perimeter of an airbase for purposes connected with air transport services or other flying activities at that airbase.
Interpretation of Class L
L.1 For the purposes of Class L, “air transport services” has the same meaning as in section 82 of the Airports Act 1986.
Explore GPDO Part 19
- Part 19 overview: Crown and national security
- Class A: General development by the Crown
- Class B: Operational Crown building extensions
- Class C: Development on operational Crown land
- Class D: Hard surfaces at Crown buildings
- Class E: Airbase operational development
- Class F: Air traffic services inside an airbase
- Class G: Air traffic services outside an airbase
- Class H: Air traffic services on operational land
- Class I: Emergency air traffic apparatus
- Class J: Temporary land use for air traffic services
- Class K: Crown surveys and investigations
- Class L: Buildings on an airbase
- Class M: Crown rail development
- Class N: Crown shipping development
- Class O: Spreading dredged material
- Class P: Lighthouses and aids to shipping
- Class Q: Crown emergency development
Page updated: 24th September 2026