Local Planning Guidance Note No 25 - The Siting of Television Satellite Dishes

This is one of a series of local planning guidance notes amplifying local planning proposals in a clear and concise format with the objectives of raising awareness and improving standards. This guidance note will form a material consideration in the determination of all relevant planning applications, following a public consultation exercise and formal adoption by the Council.

These guidelines cannot cover all the issues, and applicants and agents are advised, wherever the circumstances are unusual, to discuss their proposal on an informal basis, with a planning officer prior to the formal submission of an application. It is always advisable to obtain advice before purchasing and siting a satellite dish.

With the growth in satellite television, the installation of satellite dishes has increased. Planning law in relation to satellite dishes has also become complex. This leaflet focuses on television broadcasting satellite dishes. It outlines:

• the planning requirements,
• how to reduce the visual impact of satellite dishes on individual buildings and the streetscape.

The Council will determine applications for satellite dishes in accordance with this guidance note, together with other relevant considerations.

Changes in satellite dish technology, resulting in changes in their visual appearance, and planning legislation, will be monitored to ensure this guidance note is kept up to date.

To help minimise the impact and clutter of satellite dishes on the countryside, villages and towns, the Council policy requires satellite dishes to be carefully sited. Even in those circumstances where planning permission is not required, there is a requirement to install satellite dishes with minimal effect on a building, and to remove them when no longer needed. Careful siting of satellite dishes avoids the Council requesting their re-siting or removal.

If required, planning permission must be obtained before installing a satellite dish.

Satellite antenna (or dish or aerial):
Apparatus designed to transmit or receive microwave radio energy to or from satellites, most commonly used to receive direct television broadcasting signals

Terrestrial microwave antenna:
Apparatus designed to transmit or receive signals from another land-based antenna. Licensed Code Operators mostly use these.

When is planning permission needed?

There are different rules according to the type of property and location. The Planning Department will be able to advise if a property involves a special designation.

A) Properties without a specific designation

Planning permission is not required if the following conditions are achieved:

Houses

If the property is a single dwellinghouse (not subdivided into flats),

• Not more than one dish on the building or in the garden.
• The satellite dish is no more than 90 cm in size (diameter). A standard satellite dish is less than this size.
• If the dish is being installed on the roof, it should not be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• If the dish is being installed on a chimney stack, it should not exceed 45cm in size, and no higher than the highest part of the stack.

All other properties

This includes; blocks of flats, commercial premises, shops, factories, etc.

Buildings or structures 15 metres high or more (or over about 5 storeys in height).

• Not more than 2 dishes on the whole building.

Buildings or structures under 15 metres high (or less than about 5 storeys in height).

• The dish should not be sited on a chimney, or on the wall or roofslope fronting a public road or public footpath.
• The dish should be sited within the boundaries of the building or structure.
• If the dish is being installed on the roof, it should not be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Not more than one dish on the building or structure.
• The satellite dish is no more than 90 cm in size (diameter). A standard satellite dish is less than this size.

Acceptable siting - rear of building, below roofline.

Acceptable siting - below roofline, on gable extension.

B) Properties with a specific designation

Listed Buildings

A building is 'listed' due to its special architectural character or historical importance. In most cases, all satellite dishes involving listed buildings require a different type of consent from the Council, namely Listed Building Consent. The Council has an important duty to protect the character of listed buildings. Further advice regarding listed buildings can be obtained from Planning Environment, tel: 01978 292019.

Conservation Area

These areas have a special character that should be preserved and enhanced. There are 21 conservation areas in the County Borough. There are additional restrictions on the installation of satellite dishes on properties located in these areas, over and above the details provided in Section A.

Planning permission is required when the siting of a dish will involve:

• a chimney stack, a wall or roof slope fronting a public road or public footpath or on buildings 15metres or higher (over about 5 storeys in height).

Some conservation areas are covered by an Article 4 Direction. This means that alterations to a building which could otherwise fall outside planning legislation - which includes the siting of satellite dishes - requires planning permission.

Five areas in the County Borough have Article 4 Directions:

• Chirk
• Fairy Road
• Wrexham
• Holt
• Salisbury Park, Wrexham

The Council may designate additional ones in the future. See Conservation Area Assessments for further information on the above areas.

Permitted Development Rights

Some properties have a planning condition attached to a planning permission, removing their rights to make ' permitted development', which could include the installation of satellite dishes. A planning application will be required in this case.

Guidelines for Minimal Impact

• In recognising that all dishes usually require a 30-degree to horizontal line of sight in a south- west or south-east direction, they do not always need a prominent or high position on a building. In addition, the size of dishes does not necessarily have to be large. Dishes of 60cm or less can often be used, dependent on the technology.
• Generally, and especially with special designations, satellite dishes should, if possible, be sited to the rear of properties and be inconspicuous.
• Aim for a single dish on a building, or an alternative to a satellite dish.
• For all satellite proposals, the Council will consider the impact of satellite dishes in line with the following checklist. Planning permission and listed building consent will be refused if the siting of satellite dishes does not achieve minimal impact.

Alternatives to a satellite dish

• Consider other alternatives to a satellite dish, especially in the case of a block of flats, terrace house, or semi detached houses. There are 2 other options; shared dish, and cable systems. Checks must be made if any provisions made for a shared or cable system. - including any legal requirements. Professional advice should be sought in exploring these options. One dish can be shared with up to 4 or 5 residents. S.M.A.T.V - Satellite Master Antenna Television is a small cable system, which can serve flats or separate properties from a communal dish or dishes. This will require a Telecommunications Act Licence from the Office of Telecommunications, Oftel. In situations when all options and applications for the siting of a satellite dish are likely to be unsuccessful, cable systems is another possible option to provide satellite television. Conditions may be attached to planning permissions, which will oblige the use of shared systems.

Acceptable siting - rear of building, below roofline.

Acceptable siting - lower roofline and gable extension, mesh transparent design.

General issues

• If you are a tenant, you will need to check whether you need the landlord and /or owner's consent.
• The installation of dishes near the windows and doors of neighbouring houses should generally be avoided.
• The Council will expect all new build developments to have taken into consideration the installation requirements of cable TV systems, including landscaping, or another form of inconspicuous satellite television system.
• Dishes no longer needed should be removed. For example, if a different satellite system is introduced involving a cable system. A temporary planning permission may be given, with a condition requiring their removal within a specified period.
• If the siting of a satellite dish fails to satisfy the guidance outlined in this leaflet, and/or permission refused, the Council may pursue enforcement action. The Council will always try to negotiate a more acceptable location of a satellite dish, which will minimise its appearance, prior to the consideration of any formal legal action. Formal action taken by the Council would require a satellite dish to be relocated or removed, if negotiation fails. There is a right to appeal against any formal action being taken by the Council. Further details can be obtained from the Planning Department; contact information below.

Unsuitable siting - fronting onto the street.

Useful additional references and addresses

Independent Television Commission (ITC)
ITC Engineering Information, Staple House, Staple Gardens, Winchester SO23 8SR.
Tel: 020 7255 3000

Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI)
Foulton House Business Centre, Fulton Road, Wembley Park, Middlesex HAA9 OTF
Tel: 029 8902 8998

Radio, Electrical and Television Retailers' Association (RETRA)
RETRA House, St John's Terrace, 1 Amphill Street, Bedford MK2 9EY
Tel: 01234 269110

NTL
NTL House, Bartley Wood Business Park, Bartley Way Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9UP
Tel: 01256 752000 / 0800 183 1234

The Digital Television Group
7 Old Lodge Place, St Margarets, Twickenham, TW1 1RQ
Tel: 020 8891 1830

Office of Telecommunications (OFTEL)
Licensing Policy Branch, 50 Ludgate Hill, London EC4 M7JJ
Tel: 020 7634 5370

Department for Communities and Local Government formerly Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU
Tel: 020 7944 4400

The National Assembly for Wales
Planning Division, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF1 3NQ
Tel: 029 20 8235 85
Publish a planning Technical Advice Note on 'Telecommunications'

Telewest
Tel: 0500 500 100

Planning Portal
The Planning Inspectorate, 3/20 Hawk Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.
Provides an interactive checklist on the installation of satellite dishes and a satellite dish locator.

For further information, please contact:

Chief Planning Officer, Lambpit Street, PO Box 1290, Wrexham, LL11 1WL.

Email: planning@wrexham.gov.uk

Tel: 01978 292017
Fax: 01978 292502

Adopted September 2003

LPG Note 25 - The Siting of Television Satellite Dishes

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