Most satellite dishes are permitted development — but the number, size, and position can all affect whether you need planning permission. Here’s what the rules say.
Installing a satellite dish on a house is generally permitted development under Part 1, Class H of the GPDO 2015. For a standard house, up to two antenna systems are permitted development provided each dish doesn’t exceed 100cm in diameter (or 130cm for dishes not on a roof). Planning permission is needed if the dish would be on a chimney stack, if more than two dishes are installed, if the dish would be on the principal elevation of a house in a conservation area or Article 2(3) land, or for any dish on a listed building. In conservation areas, Article 4 Directions often require permission for any dish on a front elevation.
The permitted development rules for satellite dishes and other antenna systems are set out in Part 1, Class H of Schedule 2 to the GPDO 2015. For a house (not a flat), the rules are:
| Parameter | Permitted development limit |
|---|---|
| Number of antenna systems | Up to 2 (in addition to any pre-existing installations) |
| Dish diameter (on a roof) | Maximum 100cm |
| Dish diameter (not on a roof) | Maximum 130cm |
| Position on chimney | Not permitted development — planning permission required |
| Height above ridge (if on a roof) | Must not exceed the highest part of the existing roof |
| Position on principal elevation (conservation areas/Article 2(3) land) | Not permitted development — planning permission required |
In conservation areas, the GPDO already removes the permitted development right to install a satellite dish on the front elevation — this is written into Part 1, Class H itself. So no planning permission is needed for a dish on the rear of a house in a conservation area (subject to the size and number limits), but a front elevation dish always requires permission in a conservation area.
Many councils with conservation areas also have Article 4 Directions that go further and restrict dishes on side elevations or on roofs visible from public spaces. Check with your council before installing any dish in a conservation area.
For listed buildings, installing a satellite dish requires both planning permission and listed building consent. Applications for satellite dishes on listed buildings are frequently refused — particularly for prominent positions — as they’re seen as visually incongruous with the historic character of the building. Fibre or cable broadband avoids the need for a dish and is generally less of a concern for listed building consent purposes.
The Part 1, Class H permitted development right for satellite dishes applies to houses — the permitted development rights for flats and maisonettes are more restrictive. In a converted house or purpose-built flat, you may need permission where a house-owner wouldn’t. Residents of flats should also consider whether their lease permits external fixtures.
Extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, solar panels — our complete guide covers everything you can build without planning permission.
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