Policy information sourced from the Bexley Unitary Development Plan

Policy ENV45:

The Council recognises the need and desire for telecommunications equipment in order to facilitate the growth of telecommunications systems and will give favourable consideration to proposals, provided that they meet the criteria set out in this policy, in Government Guidance and in Statutory Regulations, as relevant. In particular, the Council will seek to ensure that satellite dishes, terrestrial microwave antennas, aerials and all other telecommunications equipment should only be located in such a way as to minimise any adverse effects on the character or visual amenity of the area.

In considering any proposals for telecommunications equipment, bearing in mind the limitations imposed by lines of sight, technical issues and legal requirements, the Council will need to be satisfied that:

  1. all alternative locations or means of telecommunication have been fully explored;
  2. there is no reasonable possibility of sharing existing facilities, particularly masts;
  3. in the case of antennae and masts, there is no possibility of locating these on an existing building or other structure; and/or
  4. the siting, design, materials, colour and appearance of the equipment should minimise the visual impact of the development on the environment, with screening and landscaping where relevant; and
  5. where a satellite dish or other equipment is to be located to serve an individual property, its location should be carefully chosen so as to minimise the impact on the appearance of the building and consideration should be given to alternative locations for the equipment at low level within the site.

The Council will normally refuse any application or intervene on any developments by telecommunications operators which would adversely affect Conservation Areas, scheduled Ancient Monuments, statutorily listed buildings and buildings of local interest, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, registered historic parks and gardens or other areas of sensitive landscape.

For more information please see the Bexley Unitary Development Plan