I researched what sort of legislation community radio stations have to go through to be established as a licensed radio station. just a couple of examples being:

The Communications Act 2003The Communications Act 2003 introduced a vastly improved framework for Community Media development in the United Kingdom and the Community Media Association played an important role in lobbying for this new framework. The Act received Royal Assent on 17 July 2003.The sections in the Act that make specific provision for Community Media are as follows:

• Section 262This section says that the Secretary of State may by order modify the Communications Act 2003 and the Broadcasting Acts of 1990 and 1996 to make special provision for Community Radio services.
• Section 359This section says that Ofcom may make such grants as they consider appropriate to Community Radio licensees.