Satellite dish rules update will speed broadband

New planning regulations will allow householders to use a wider range of antennas and satellite dishes to access digital and broadband services.

The changes will help to meet the government's aim of expanding access to digital television and broadband internet - and will help householders to install digital TV and broadband technologies.

The revised regulations will continue to protect the environment from inappropriate development, particularly in designated areas where there are greater restrictions on the position of antennas.

Current planning regulations are inadequate because there are different and inconsistent regulations for each type of technology.

The amended permitted development regulations will take account of the wide variety of antenna technology now available, and will subject all types of microwave antenna - whether they are satellite dishes, mesh antennas and wireless antennas - to the same permitted development regulations.

Housing and planning minister Yvette Cooper said in a statement: "The planning system needs to adapt to take account of changing technology. People want to get access to wireless broadband services and digital and satellite TV. These changes remove some of the red tape around new technology by updating the planning rules, whilst keeping protections for the local environment."

There will still be restrictions on the number, size and location of antennas - under the revised planning regulations, houses under 15 metres in height will be allowed two antennas.