Information Leaflet #13
A Householder’s Planning Guide for the Installation of Antennas, including Satellite Dishes
September 2006

Guidance on Installations

Advice on Good Siting

When installing a dish or other antenna, you must position it in such a way 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:

• choosing the type of antenna; and
• positioning the antenna on the building or in the garden.

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 Divisional Planning Office.

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.

Where you position the antenna on the property is perhaps the most important thing to bear in mind when considering installing one. Although it is important to make sure your antenna provides adequate reception, it is also important to consider the visual effect of your antenna, e.g.

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

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