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Class J – Development by an air traffic services licence holder on operational land
Class J permits air traffic services development by an air traffic services licence holder, or its agents, on the licence holder’s operational land.
Unlike Class I, the right is not expressed simply by reference to being within an airport perimeter. Instead, the operational-land test is fundamental and the Class contains specific limits for buildings and apparatus.
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.
What does Class J allow?
A building is only permitted where it is required to house equipment used in connection with air traffic services, and it must not exceed 4 metres in height.
Radar or radio masts, antennas and other apparatus are normally limited to 15 metres. Where existing apparatus already exceeds that height, the replacement-height wording in the Class should be checked before works are undertaken.
The right is tied to the operational land of the air traffic services licence holder and cannot simply be used on unrelated land because the proposed equipment serves aviation.
Legislation
Class J – development by an air traffic services licence holder on operational land
Permitted development
J. The carrying out on operational land of an air traffic services licence holder by that licence holder or its agents of development in connection with the provision of air traffic services.
Development not permitted
J.1 Development is not permitted by Class J 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 on operational land Page Updated: 23rd September 2026