Put the proposed work in writing
Send the landlord or managing agent a photograph marked with the dish position, mount and cable route. Include any holes, access through shared areas and the plan for removal when you leave. In a flat, establish who controls the wall or roof and who can authorise the work. Keep the written agreement with the installation details.
England
The Planning Portal’s antenna guidance covers building height, location and other limits. For flats, its antenna limits apply to the whole building, not to each flat. Existing dishes therefore matter. Ask the local planning authority about any uncertainty, and check listed building consent separately where relevant.
Wales
Use the Welsh Government’s antenna guidance rather than assuming the English rules apply. Its advice for flats also covers consent from the landlord, freeholder or management company and the need to check listed building consent. The local planning authority can advise on the proposed position.
Scotland
The mygov.scot guide to external alterations covers dwellinghouses, so do not apply its house rules to a flat. It identifies conservation areas and listed buildings as cases needing further checks. Confirm the proposal with the local council and get the landowner’s permission where you do not own the land.
Northern Ireland
nidirect advises checking with the council’s planning office before development work. Permitted development has conditions, with restrictions in designated areas. Describe the dish, mount, position and building so the council can advise on the actual proposal.
If you cannot fit a permanent mount
An accessible freestanding position may avoid drilling, but it still needs a clear sky view and secure placement. It does not give you permission to occupy communal space or trail a cable across it. If there is no agreed, workable location, compare the fixed and mobile broadband available at the address.
- Planning Portal: antenna permissions in England
- Welsh Government: satellite antennas
- Welsh Government: satellite dishes on flats
- mygov.scot: alterations outside a house
- nidirect: when to check planning permission
Send a correction if a source has changed or something needs updating.