The new Advice Note offers members of the public free, easy to read guidance available from the website or Brecon Office. The Note explains under what circumstances someone will need planning permission for additional antennae or satellite dishes. Current guidance states that National Park residents are allowed up to two satellite dishes (one up to 100cm in length and the other up to 60cm in length) on a building without planning permission as long as they are situated in the appropriate place. Listed Buildings will require listed building consent if the works are likely to affect the character of the building.
The planning advice surgeries which operate from the Plas y Ffynnon Office in Brecon will also provide guidance to residents on a first-come first-served basis every Wednesday from 9.30am-4.30pm. There are also surgeries in Llandovery TIC and the Abergavenny One-Stop Shop where appointments can pre-booked by calling 01874 620 431.
Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe, Member for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and local member for Hay-on-Wye said: “I’m very pleased to see that the National Park Authority has updated its Satellite Dish Planning Advice Note in light of the digital switchover. The amount of information available about the switchover can seem quite overwhelming for some people – particularly the elderly. I hope that our new Advice Note will help guide residents in the Park and if anyone would like further information they should call our planning advice hotline or telephone DigitalUK’s helpline. I’d also encourage residents to use registered digital installers (RDIs) for any installation or improvement work on satellite dishes or antennae.”
A BBC led Switchover Help Scheme is being widely advertised to help people make the switch to digital TV. The scheme – costing £40 – is available if you are:
• are aged 75 or over; or
• get or could get Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance or mobility supplement; or
• have lived in a care home for six months or more; or
• are registered blind or partially sighted.
To find out if you are eligible please contact 0800 40 85 900 or visit www.helpscheme.co.uk
The new National Park Advice Note can be downloaded from www.breconbeacons.org or if you have any questions regarding the installation of satellite antennae or any other telecommunications equipment please contact our planning advice hotline on 01874 620 431 or email planning.enquiries@breeconbeacons.org
For more information about the digital switchover, contact DigitalUK. This is the independent, not-for-profit organisation leading the switchover process. Telephone 0845 650 5050 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk