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Class M – Development by the Civil Aviation Authority for surveys etc.
Class M provides a narrow form of CAA permitted development for the Civil Aviation Authority. It allows land to be used by or on behalf of the CAA to station and operate apparatus needed for surveys or investigations.
It is a specialist statutory right and, like Classes K and L, it carries a six-month removal and restoration condition.
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What does Class M allow?
Class M is the Part 8 CAA permitted development right for temporary survey and investigation apparatus. The land may be used by or on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority to station and operate apparatus in connection with surveys or investigations.
The use must cease, the apparatus must be removed and the land must be restored within the statutory six-month period, unless another condition has been agreed in writing with the local planning authority.
The temporary-use condition should be treated as part of the permission itself, not as an optional afterthought.
Legislation
Class M – development by the Civil Aviation Authority for surveys etc.
Permitted development
M. The use of land by or on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority for the stationing and operation of apparatus in connection with the carrying out of surveys or investigations.
Condition
M.1 Development is permitted by Class M subject to the condition that on or before the expiry of the period of 6 months beginning with the date on which the use began, the use ceases, and any apparatus is removed, and the land is restored to its condition before the development took place, or to any other condition as may be agreed in writing between the local planning authority and the developer.
Current legislation: Part 8 of Schedule 2 on legislation.gov.uk
CAA surveys Page Updated: 23rd September 2026