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Satellite Dish Planning Permission: When Do You Need It?

Satellite Dish Planning Permission: When Do You Need It?

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Planning Rules

Satellite Dish Planning Permission: When Do You Need It?

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.

Quick Answer

Usually permitted development — but position and size matter

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.

Permitted Development Rules

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
⚠️ Article 2(3) land includes national parks and AONBs
“Article 2(3) land” includes Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, the Broads, and World Heritage Sites. In these areas, a satellite dish on the principal (front) elevation of a house is not permitted development and needs planning permission.

Conservation Areas

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.

Listed Buildings

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.

Flats and Shared Buildings

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission for a satellite dish?
For most houses, no — installing a satellite dish is permitted development under Part 1, Class H of the GPDO 2015. You don’t need permission as long as: the dish doesn’t exceed 100cm in diameter (on a roof) or 130cm elsewhere; no more than two antenna systems are installed; the dish is not on a chimney; and in conservation areas, the dish is not on the front elevation. Planning permission is needed if any of these conditions aren’t met.

Can I put a satellite dish on the front of my house?
For houses outside conservation areas and not on Article 2(3) land (national parks, AONBs, etc.), a satellite dish on the front elevation is technically permitted development if it meets the size limits. In conservation areas, a dish on the principal (front) elevation is not permitted development regardless, and requires planning permission.

Can I have two satellite dishes?
Yes — up to two antenna systems per house are permitted development under Part 1, Class H. If you want a third (or already have two existing dishes), the additional installation would require planning permission. The two-dish limit applies to the cumulative number at the property, including any pre-existing installations.

Can a neighbour make me take down my satellite dish?
If your dish was installed within the permitted development limits (or with planning permission), your neighbour cannot require you to remove it. A neighbour can report a potential breach of planning control to the council, but if the dish is lawfully installed, the council won’t take enforcement action. If you’re in a conservation area or have planning conditions that prohibit dishes, an unlawfully installed dish could be subject to enforcement action.

More on Permitted Development Rights

Extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, solar panels — our complete guide covers everything you can build without planning permission.

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PERMITTED HOMEOWNER GUIDES

Planning a home project?
Start with a £15 guide.

Our illustrated, practical guides help you understand the rules, explore design options and budget with confidence — before you commit to building work.

  • Porch Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Porch Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Garage Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Garage Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Garden Room Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Garden Room Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Rear Extension Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Rear Extension Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Side Extension Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Side Extension Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Conservatory Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Conservatory Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Two Storey Rear Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Two Storey Rear Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

    View guide
  • Loft Conversion Guide — £15 illustrated PDF guide by PERMITTED
    Loft Conversion Guide

    Rules, design options, costs and next steps.

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8 project-specific guidesClear, jargon-free explanations£15 off matching drawing packages

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