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Class D – Dredging by transport undertakings
Class D deals with a specific consequence of dredging. It permits certain statutory transport undertakers to use land for spreading material dredged from their dock, pier, harbour, water transport, canal or inland navigation undertaking.
The right is therefore much narrower than the heading can suggest. It is principally about the use of land for spreading dredged material, not a blanket planning permission for every aspect of dredging operations.
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 D allow?
Where the statutory tests are met, Class D permits the use of land by the relevant statutory undertaker for the spreading of dredged material from the undertaking.
Anyone relying on the Class should still check whether separate environmental, waste, marine, landowner or other statutory controls apply. Part 8 only answers the planning permitted development question within the scope of Class D.
Legislation
Class D – dredging by transport undertakings
Permitted development
D. The use of any land by statutory undertakers in respect of dock, pier, harbour, water transport, canal or inland navigation undertakings for the spreading of any dredged material.
Current legislation: Part 8 of Schedule 2 on legislation.gov.uk
Dredging Page Updated: 23rd September 2026