diff --git a/src/settings.cpp b/src/settings.cpp
index ad93ce6eaf..38101e71d4 100644
--- a/src/settings.cpp
+++ b/src/settings.cpp
@@ -1079,8 +1079,8 @@ static bool CheckFreeformEdges(int32 p1)
 		}
 		BaseStation *st;
 		FOR_ALL_BASE_STATIONS(st) {
-			/* Check if there is a buoy on the northern border. */
-			if (TileX(st->xy) == 0 || TileY(st->xy) == 0) {
+			/* Check if there is a non-deleted buoy on the northern border. */
+			if (st->IsInUse() && (TileX(st->xy) == 0 || TileY(st->xy) == 0)) {
 				ShowErrorMessage(STR_CONFIG_SETTING_EDGES_NOT_EMPTY, INVALID_STRING_ID, WL_ERROR);
 				return false;
 			}