Applications, appeals, permitted development, enforcement and planning strategy across England
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Class I – Development by an air traffic services licence holder within an airport
Class I gives permitted development rights to an air traffic services licence holder, or its agents, for development connected with air traffic services within the perimeter of an airport.
This Class is distinct from Class G, which is framed around the relevant airport operator. Under Class I, the status of the air traffic services licence holder is the central qualification.
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 I allow?
The development must be carried out by or on behalf of an air traffic services licence holder, be within the perimeter of an airport and be connected with the provision of air traffic services.
Class I does not itself set out the building-height restrictions found in Classes H and J. That makes the threshold questions particularly important: who is carrying out the development, where it is taking place and whether its purpose is genuinely air traffic services.
Legislation
Class I – development by an air traffic services licence holder within an airport
Permitted development
I. The carrying out by an air traffic services licence holder or its agents within the perimeter of an airport of development in connection with the provision of air traffic services.
Current legislation: Part 8 of Schedule 2 on legislation.gov.uk
Air traffic services within an airport Page Updated: 23rd September 2026