Normal domestic TV and radio aerials do not need planning permission. However, in certain circumstances, you will need to apply for planning permission to install a satellite dish on your house.  If your house is a listed building, you may also need Listed Building Consent.  Listed Building Consent (opens in pdf format) is required for any dish that affects the character or appearance of a Listed Building.

Is a Planning Application Required?

1) Do you live in a house that is not in a Conservation Area?
Then you do not need to apply for planning permission to install a dish on your house, provided that:
· There will not be more than one dish on the building or in the garden.
· The dish does not exceed 90cm in size;
· If on a chimney stack, the dish does not exceed 45cm in size and is not higher than the highest part of the stack;
· If the dish is installed on the roof, it does not protrude above its highest part.

2) Do you live in small block of flats (below 15m in height) or plan to install a dish on a commercial property or do you live in a dwelling house in a Conservation Area? 
Then you do not need to apply for planning permission to install a dish, provided that:
· The dish does not exceed the limits on size, number and siting that are set out in item 1 above, and the installation is not on a chimney stack, nor on the wall or roof slope fronting the road or public footpath.
In the case of flats, these limits refer to the building as a whole and not to each separate flat.  If, therefore, one flat dweller has already installed a dish, planning permission is required. In such a case, the flat dweller may wish to examine the possibility of a shared dish.

3) Do you live in a large block of flats of or over 15m in height (about five storeys) or more?
Then you do not need to apply for planning permission to install a dish, provided that:
· The number of dishes (including terrestrial dish antennas) on the building as a whole does not exceed two;
· The dish does not exceed 1.3m in size;
· The building is not in a Conservation Area.

It is your responsibility for seeking, or not seeking, planning permission.  If required, planning permission should be granted before installation.

Please note that the size means the measurement across any dimension of the antenna (excluding any projecting feed element, the reinforcing rim and supporting brackets).

More Information

For more information regarding how to submit applications please go to Applying for Planning Permission.  If you are in any doubt about whether you need to apply, you should consult the Development Control section of the Planning department.