Satellite dishes

Satellite dishes do not always need planning permission. Read the satellite dish and antenna guidance on the Planning Portal website to find out if you need to make an application.

Where to position your dish or antenna

When considering installing a satellite antenna/dish on your property, perhaps the most important thing to bear in mind is where it will be positioned.

Although you will understandably wish to make sure that your antenna provides adequate reception, it is also important to consider the visual effect on your property and the street.

Mounting a dish or antenna:

• on a roof will be less noticeable than one mounted on a wall
• on the back of a building will usually be less noticeable than on the front
• close to the ground in the back garden will be less noticeable to neighbours than one mounted on a pole
• behind a parapet or a chimney stack may be less noticeable than one mounted on a wall

You may also need your landlord or freeholder's permission before installing a satellite antenna/dish.

The consequences of poor positioning

If we think your antenna is in a poor position and could reasonably be moved to make it less noticeable, we may ask you to move it (at your own expense). You would not have to apply for planning permission.

If you refuse this request, we may:

• demand that you apply for planning permission (for which you must pay a fee) based on the fact that the antenna's effect on the outside appearance of the building has not been reduced as far as possible

or

• send you an enforcement notice demanding that you move the antenna

You are entitled to appeal if we refuse your application for planning permission, or we send you an enforcement notice.

Reasons for an appeal could include that you think the chosen position of the antenna is appropriate, or that the measures you would need to take to move it are excessive, perhaps causing you unreasonable costs.