Policy information sourced from Lewisham Development Management Local Plan

DM Policy 39 Domestic satellite dishes and telecommunications equipment

Satellite dishes and other telecommunications equipment should always be designed and sited where they will have the least detrimental visual impact, in particular not on a principal street frontage. They should also not be detrimental to the character of Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings and other designated and non designated heritage assets or to the amenities of a residential area. This will usually entail permitting not more than one satellite dish per building and resisting visually harmful development in respect of premises subject to an Article 4 Direction.

In carrying out this policy the Council will:

  • encourage the provision of communal telecommunications equipment in new development and rehabilitation schemes and where time limited consents have been granted and
  • encourage the removal or upgrading of older telecommunications equipment in order to minimise visual impact.

Radio and telecommunications masts and infrastructure

In the case of development proposals for radio and telecommunications masts, including those for prior approval under Part 24 of the General Permitted Development Order, these should be supported by the necessary evidence to justify the proposed development. The Council will seek to ensure, in conjunction with operators and developers, that in each case the best possible environmental and operational solution is arrived at. This will include:

  • provision of evidence that the possibility of erecting antennae on an existing building, structure, or mast site has been explored, and/or in the case of a new mast or base station that the cumulative exposure when operational will not exceed International Commission in non-ionising radiation protection guidelines
  • use of design that minimises the size of or camouflages telecommunications apparatus
  • provision of evidence on the outcome of consultations with organisations with an interest in any proposed development particularly where a mast is to be installed near a school or college or within a statutory safeguarding zone surrounding an aerodrome or technical site.

For more information please see the Local Plan