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Class C – Works to inland waterways
Class C is a narrow permitted development right for works to certain inland waterways. It covers improvement, maintenance or repair of the waterway itself and specified associated structures.
It is not a general right for development beside a canal, river or marina. The statutory description of the waterway and the nature of the works both matter.
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What does Class C allow?
The right covers works required for the improvement, maintenance or repair of an inland waterway, other than the commercial and cruising waterways identified through section 104 of the Transport Act 1968.
It also covers works required for the repair or maintenance of specified waterway infrastructure, including a culvert, weir, lock, aqueduct, sluice, reservoir, let-off valve or other work used in connection with the control and regulation of water.
Because the wording is tied closely to improvement, maintenance and repair, Class C should not be treated as a general power to construct new waterside development or to undertake unrelated engineering works.
Legislation
Class C – works to inland waterways
Permitted development
C. The improvement, maintenance or repair of an inland waterway (other than a commercial waterway or cruising waterway) to which section 104 of the Transport Act 1968 (classification of waterways) applies, and the repair or maintenance of a culvert, weir, lock, aqueduct, sluice, reservoir, let-off valve or other work used in connection with the control and operation of such a
waterway.
Current legislation: Part 8 of Schedule 2 on legislation.gov.uk
Inland waterways Page Updated: 23rd September 2026