Are satellite dishes a blot on the urban landscape or should they be allowed anywhere? The Government wants to know what you think.

Under current regulations, householders in most areas do not need planning permission to install a satellite dish, but there are limits to the number of dishes and the size of the dish.

Planning Minister Jeff Rooker said: "I want the public to tell us what they think the rules on satellite dishes and antennas should be."

Stephen Hillier, Basildon Council's portfolio holder for environment, said: "There has to be some control over the siting of satellite dishes. It is particularly important on buildings of historic value or that are viewed as a public amenity."

Responses should be sent to Iain Clark, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Zone 4/H1, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU.

Published Wednesday, April 23, 2003

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