Do I Need Planning Permission for a Satellite Dish?
Usually NO
In most cases, NO — one satellite dish on your home is usually permitted development, provided it meets size limits and is not on a listed building or prominently positioned in a conservation area.
Keep reading for the full rules.
Installing one satellite dish on your home is generally permitted development under Class H of the GPDO 2015. However, there are size limits and restrictions for listed buildings and conservation areas.
Permitted Development Rules by Region
Permitted Development Rules — England
- ✓One satellite dish on a dwelling is permitted development under Class H.
- ✓The dish must not exceed 90cm in diameter on any property other than a chimney.
- ✓The dish must not be higher than the highest part of the roof.
- ✓In conservation areas, dishes must not be on a chimney, wall, or roof that faces a highway.
- ✓Listed buildings require listed building consent for any dish installation.
- ✓The dish must not be installed to show if at all possible from a highway (in conservation areas).
Size & Position Limits (England)
| Requirement | Limit / Rule |
|---|---|
| Max diameter (on building) | 90cm |
| Number of dishes (PD) | 1 (additional dishes need permission) |
| Conservation areas | Cannot face highway; must be as inconspicuous as possible |
| Max height | No higher than highest part of roof |
| Listed buildings | Listed building consent required |
When Do You Need Planning Permission?
Even if your project is usually permitted development, planning permission is required in these circumstances:
- ✗You want to install more than one satellite dish.
- ✗The dish would face the highway in a conservation area.
- ✗Your property is listed.
- ✗The dish exceeds 90cm in diameter.
What Happens If You Build Without Permission?
Dishes installed without permission in conservation areas or on listed buildings can be subject to enforcement action.
Enforcement notices: Your council can issue an enforcement notice requiring you to stop the work, remove it, or restore the land to its original condition. You have a right of appeal against an enforcement notice.
Retrospective applications: If you have already carried out work that required planning permission, you can submit a retrospective planning application. If approved, this regularises the work. If refused, you may be required to remove it.
Time limits: For dwelling houses, the council generally has 4 years to take enforcement action for most types of work. For breaches of planning conditions, the time limit is 10 years. There is no time limit for listed building enforcement.