We all know that the devil is in the detail– but in todays times of information overload it’s sometimes easier said than done.
For example, recently we were advising a client on the development potential of their three-storey mixed use property in Woolwich. It seemed that it was a perfect candidate to benefit from the new permitted development changes to add a couple of additional floors.
Most developers know that there are certain constraints – listed buildings, SSSI’s, maximum heights etc – but how many saw the one at the bottom of the list?
‘Land within 3 kilometers of an aerodrome’?
The term aerodrome covers many different types of aviation infrastructure – airports, heliports and even grass airstrips. This potentially extends to about 400 sites within England alone – an area of over 11,000 km2!
Although the exact definitions of what constitutes the ‘perimeter’ is a grey one and varies from site to site, in our case the property falls withing that of London City Airport ( on the other side of the river) so the Permitted Development rules would not apply, and a full planning application would be necessary for upward extension.
To illustrate below is a diagram of the relevant area excluded by City Airport courtesy of planning experts Lichfields:

Those looking at potential sites in and around London will need to bear in mind Heathrow Airport, London City, Gatwick and London City Heliport. So if you are considering upward extensions via PD, be sure to take expert advice – and always read the small print!