Changes to four year planning rule in England

The four-year planning rule has offered a degree of protection for antennas and masts that have been erected without planning permission.

Under this rule any installations which had been installed and unchanged for four years or more were protected against planning enforcement action.

However, as of the 25 April 2024, this rule ceased to exist in its current form in England under changes introduced under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. The rule has been replaced by a more stringent ten-year period for the exemption from enforcement for residential dwellings.

This change does not affect Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland where the four-year rule will continue to apply.

Any installation that was substantially completed prior to the introduction of the Act will still be subject to the four-year rule meaning, for most radio amateurs, the ten-year rule will not apply until the 24 April 2028.

For more information on planning matters visit the website

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