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Class H – Air traffic services development near an airport
Class H deals with air traffic services development on operational land outside, but within 8 kilometres of, the perimeter of a relevant airport. The right is for the relevant airport operator or its agent.
Because the development is outside the airport perimeter, Class H includes specific limits on buildings and on radar, radio and similar apparatus.
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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.
What does Class H allow?
The development must be connected with air traffic services and take place on operational land within the statutory 8 kilometre zone around the relevant airport.
A building is only permitted where it is required to house equipment used in connection with air traffic services, and it must not exceed the statutory height limit of 4 metres.
Radar or radio masts, antennas and other apparatus are subject to a 15 metre height limit, unless the development is replacing existing apparatus that was already higher, in which case the replacement-height wording in the Class should be checked carefully.
Legislation
Class H – air traffic services development near an airport
Permitted development
H. The carrying out on operational land outside but within 8 kilometres of the perimeter of a relevant airport by a relevant airport operator or its agent of development in connection with the provision of air traffic services.
Development not permitted
H.1 Development is not permitted by Class H if—
(a) any building erected would be used for a purpose other than housing equipment used in connection with the provision of air traffic services;
(b) any building erected would exceed a height of 4 metres; or
(c) it would consist of the installation or erection of any radar or radio mast, antenna or other apparatus which would exceed 15 metres in height, or, where an existing mast, antenna or apparatus is replaced, the height of that mast, antenna or apparatus, if greater.
Current legislation: Part 8 of Schedule 2 on legislation.gov.uk
Air traffic services near an airport Page Updated: 23rd September 2026