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Class N – Use of airport buildings managed by relevant airport operators
Class N provides airport building permitted development for a change of use within its narrow statutory scope. It is different from most of Part 8 because it is a use right rather than a general building-works right. It concerns buildings within the perimeter of an airport that are managed by a relevant airport operator.
The permitted use must be connected with air transport services or other flying activities at the airport.
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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 N allow?
Where the statutory tests are met, Class N permits a building within the airport perimeter to be used for purposes connected with air transport services or other flying activities.
The Class should not be read as permission for separate physical works that require their own planning right. Building operations need to be considered under the relevant development right, including Class F where appropriate.
The definitions of relevant airport and relevant airport operator in Paragraph O are therefore important to the scope of Class N.
Legislation
Class N – use of airport buildings managed by relevant airport operators
Permitted development
N. The use of buildings within the perimeter of an airport managed by a relevant airport operator for purposes connected with air transport services or other flying activities at that airport.
Current legislation: Part 8 of Schedule 2 on legislation.gov.uk
Use of airport buildings Page Updated: 23rd September 2026