Planning

Introduction

• Design Guide
• Specialist Guides
• Fee Guidelines
• Application Forms
• Planning Decisions

 

Guidance Note for Satellite Dishes

The aim of this Guidance Note is to set out clearly the Trust’s policy on the installation of satellite dishes on the Suburb.

In order to protect the character of Hampstead Garden Suburb, the Trust controls the installation of satellite dishes. Many residents find the appearance of dishes unsightly and their proliferation throughout the area would have a significant impact on its character.

The Trust accepts that some residents wish to have access to information and entertainment only available via satellite. However, satellite dishes do not blend easily with the architecture of the Suburb and care needs to be taken with their location.

There are technical restrictions on the positioning of dishes. Satellite signals can only be picked up from certain directions. The location of nearby houses and trees will have an influence on where a dish can be placed. It is not always possible to position dishes where they will not be seen by other residents and, because of this, in some cases it may not be possible to have a dish at all. Nevertheless, the Trust feels it would be unreasonable to refuse consent for dishes on houses unless there are good conservation reasons for doing so.

The aim of the guidelines is to ensure that the dishes, where they can be approved, are positioned carefully and are not unsightly.

In considering applications, the Trust will consult neighbours who might see the dish from their house or garden. Any comments will be taken into account when applications are considered.

Guidelines

If you are considering installing a satellite dish the following guidelines should be followed:-

• Trust Consent is required for the installation of all satellite dishes within the Suburb.

• Where possible, dishes should be located at low level in gardens where they cannot be seen by other residents.

• Where dishes have to be fixed to buildings in order to receive a signal, they should always be discreetly placed where they are least visible. Dishes should not normally be visually prominent from a road or public open space.

• Dishes will not be approved on front elevations, chimneys, high gables or roofs where they are visually prominent.

• The maximum size of dish will normally be 43cm diameter (the size of a digital mini-dish). In exceptional cases it may be larger if they are not visually prominent and there is justification for a larger dish.

• Dishes should be removed when the licence period has expired and has not been renewed. The Trust will send reminder letters to ensure that owners do this. 

Consent from the London Borough of Barnet

In addition to Trust Consent, Planning Permission from L.B. Barnet is required for the following:-

• a dish on the front elevation of a house

• a dish located on a roof or chimney.

• a dish fixed to any flat

• a second dish on any property

Listed Building Consent is required from the London Borough of Barnet for a dish fixed to a listed building.

For further details contact the Finchley and Golders Green Area Planning Office on 020 8359 4498.