The UK government is considering making changes to planning regulations that apply to satellite equipment and antennae in order to boost take-up of digital television and broadband internet across England.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has launched a consultation in which members of the public, industry figures, local government and special interest groups will be asked to comment on existing planning arrangements for satellite dishes and other antennas.
Latest figures from the Independent Television Commission (ITC) show that more than 40% of UK homes had access to digital television by the end of 2002. The government is planning to switch off the analogue transmission system by 2010 but a number of hurdles remain to be cleared.
According to the ITC, BSkyB has a 59% share of the multichannel market in the UK. A satellite receiver is required for access to its services which causes no conflict given that The General Permitted Development Order, last amended in 1999, gives special dispensation to residents to attach a dish to their property. However, size restrictions apply, only one antenna is permitted per household and TV viewers in certain parts of the country need special planning permission to install a dish.
The consultation document states: “In setting the limits for permitted development, there is a balance to be struck between giving freedoms to individual householders and safeguarding amenity. The current conditions and limitations of the planning arrangements for satellite dishes are intended to protect the environment from unnecessarily large, unsympathetic or poorly sited dishes – particularly in designated areas such as National Parks, conservation areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”
Doubts remain about whether the government will be able to achieve its stated target of 95% digital penetration by the end of the decade. A recent report by the ITC and the BBC claimed that digital TV could be in 78% of UK homes in 2008 but the authorities want to offer a helping hand and a relaxation of current restrictions could be in the offing. Ministers are also keen to roll out broadband services in rural and remote areas.
Environmental concerns still persist but public opinion will be sought on these and a range of issues during the consultation period which runs until 4 July.
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