Certainly in UK an operator can apply for easements from the 1000 foot and the 500 foot rule. However, the permission will come with conditions attached and will specify the minimum separation to be used.
An ex-colleague of mine was investigated by the CAA because it was alleged he had broken the 500 foot rule. The evidence was some footage showing him filming a boat race. CAA enforcement reps turned up at his workplace to interview him. He admitted to flying closer than 500 feet to the boats but was able to produce the CAA permission to do so. It seems that the various offices within the Belgrano don't communicate as well as they might and on this occasion, not having done their homework, they left with their tails between their legs!