This guide aims to:
This information is provided on the following pages:
1. Check if you need planning permission or listed building consent.
2. Check if you need the landlord’s or owner’s permission.
3. Use reputable and authorised suppliers and installers.
4. Try to choose an antenna that is:
5. Try to place the antenna where it will be:
Respect the environment. The cheapest option may not always be the most appropriate one for you or the environment.
Don’t forget that you are responsible for installing the antenna. If you do not place the antennas in the most appropriate position, the council may demand that you position it elsewhere (at your own expense).
Satellite and antenna technology continues to change: you should be aware of the wide range of systems available so that you can make an informed choice.
When installing a dish or other antenna, you must position it in such a way so that its effect on the outside appearance of the building is reduced as far as possible. You must also remove it when you no longer need it.
What you need to consider
If an antenna is not positioned in the most appropriate place, this can make it more noticeable, or (depending on its colour and appearance) make it stand out from its background.
Remember, you are responsible for:
When deciding on an antenna and where to position it, you should take into account its effect on neighbours, the public, and the environment. The retailer or installer may be able to give you advice on these matters. If there is any doubt, you should contact your local planning department.
Things to think about
For dish antennas, you should be aware of the importance of colour. For example, a white dish may blend against a white background but may be more obvious against darker backgrounds, such as brick, or stone.
The materials or the design can also affect how suitable a particular antenna is. For example, a mesh or transparent dish may be less obvious than a solid one.
This is general guidance only. It shows the possible positions of antennas and does not apply to properties in designated areas.
| Location | Guidance |
| Front elevation – garden | Not suitable – security concerns. |
| Front of the house – 1st floor level | Not suitable – highly visible from the street. |
| Front of the house – 2nd floor level | Suitable – less visible from the street. |
| Side of the house – front | Not suitable – visible from the street |
| Side of the house – back | Recommended – not visible from the street |
| Roof-mounted – behind parapet | Recommended – not visible from the street |
| Roof-mounted – over ridge tiles | Suitable – less visible from street. Must only be installed if the premises has a chimney-stack. |
| Eaves-mounted pole | Recommended – not visible from the street. |
| Chimney-mounted pole | Not Suitable – higher than the chimney. |
| Chimney-mounted | Suitable – not higher than the chimney. |
| Flat roof – front | Not suitable – visible from the street. |
| Flat roof – back | Recommended – not visible from the street |
| Side of the garage | Recommended – not visible from the street |
| Rear extension – side of the house | Recommended – not visible from the street |
| Rear extension – roof | Recommended – not visible from the street |
| Back garden – behind trees | Not Suitable – tree may block signal. |
| Back garden – floor mounted | Recommended – not visible from the street, but check that a signal can be obtained. |
| Back garden – pole mounted | Not Suitable – visible to neighbours. |
Click here to download a larger, printable version of the above image and table (PDF 350 Kb).
If your planning department thinks your antenna is in a poor position and could reasonably be moved to make it less noticeable, they may ask you to move it (at your own expense). You would not have to apply for planning permission.
If you refuse this request, your planning department may:
You are entitled to appeal if planning department refuses your application for planning permission, or sends 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.
It is an offence not to follow an enforcement notice. You could have to pay a fine unless you have successfully appealed against it.
If your planning department asks you to move the antennas they should use these guidelines to show, on a diagram, what reasonable measures you can take. The council cannot use this power to deny you the right to install an antenna.
If you live in:
it may be possible to use shared antenna systems without the need for each household to install an individual antenna. There are several main alternatives to an individual antenna.
Shared Reception Systems
Shared antenna systems are worth considering if:
If you live in a tower block or a large group of flats or houses, you should first check what arrangements, if any, have already been made for a shared system.
You should always get professional advice to make sure the system you have chosen offers the best choice of programmes at a reasonable price and with the ability to accommodate future services.
If you live in a semi-detached or terraced house, it may be possible to develop a shared system, although this may be more expensive than installing individual antennas. You may also need legal advice on the conditions for sharing. In any event, you should make sure that any shared system provides access to all the programmes everyone wants.
The same planning regulations apply to shared antennas as apply to individual antennas.
The landlord or the building owner is responsible for deciding whether or not to allow the installation of a shared system and to get any licence. Guidelines on licensing are available from the Department of Trade and Industry and OFCOM. Addresses are at the end of this document.
Cable Networks
Cable networks can be another way of bringing satellite TV or broadband to your home. You may want to ask your council whether your area is served by cable television.
This is particularly important if:
Line-of-sight - Many antennas and all satellite antennas need to be able to receive signals from the transmitter without the signal being interrupted by trees or buildings etc. Antennas which do not have line-of-sight to the transmitter will not receive signals correctly and will not function properly.
Suppliers and installers should be familiar with the planning and environmental aspects of installation.
We strongly advise you to get your antenna equipment from a reputable supplier, such as members of the Radio, Electrical and Television Retailers’ Association (RETRA), other established companies or, where appropriate, from the broadcaster.
We also advise you to use installers who are members of the Confederation of Aerial Industries Limited (CAI) or other professio nally qualified installers who follow an appropriate Code of Practice in line with this Planning Guide.
Reputable installers should have agreed standards for their work, in some cases guaranteed by their company; they should also be covered by public liability and employer’s liability insurance.
You should get quotes for alternative siting options and costs (such as installing at the back) before installing the antenna.
Disclaimer: This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. Read the full disclaimer here.
Note: This guidance relates to the planning regime for England. Policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your Local Planning Authority.
