Do you have a FreeSAT or Sky satellite Dish? You might have to take it down.

For Backgound/History see post "Introduction to Decent Homes meeting 16th October 2007.

The council submitted a planning application for this reference 2007/03566/FR3. I submitted an objection detailing the issues I have with this planned change. Though my objection is not noted.

I objected as follows :

Aerial.

On the basis that assurance has not been given with respect to our own personal aerial on the roof of the building. That we will continue to enjoy exclusive access to this after the works. We have written to the council on this, 3 Years ago.

Satellite.

That the installation of a communal satellite system and subsequent removal of existing Sky/Satellite dishes is being done where

a) Every flat that wants Sky has a dish thus making this expenditure a waste.
b) Dishes have existed for many years without the council objecting to there erection. This creates a custom/precedent for allowing such additions. I understand that the council introduced a policy some three years ago on this mater. However any dish erected before this date would be exempt as erms cannot be retrospectively applied.
c) No advice has been given to tenants with respect to their liability with Sky, and any subsequent removal of the individual dish and connection to a communal facility.
d) Would the council be responsible for any financial cost on a per existing sky customer/flat basis for a tenant breaking any term of an existing Sky contract that moving to a communal solution might incur?.
e) What about those tenants who have/use Sky Multiroom or Sky+ that requires 2 LNB's or more for the purposes of using the service.
f) What about tenants who do not use Sky and use Free-to-Air satellite services?

Is the council going to write to those who have existing permission to install this equipment? Is a survey going to be undertaken of households to see how many would be interested in using a communal satellite system? What is there is a problem with the dish and or connection? Who does the repair? What is the reporting line?

The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) is aware of my objections as they concern the Decent Homes Project. There is also correspondence going back three years on this issue.

Apparently there is a policy regarding the installation of Satellite dishes. Mentioned by the Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) at the meeting of the 16th October.

I emailed the Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) on 29th October 2007 asking for either a copy of the policy or instructions as to whom I need to approach to get one. I have chased this again on the 20th November 2007 & 15th January 2008. The policy still hasn't been produced.

The council basically require resident to have explicit written consent otherwise they will have the resident compelled to remove any dishes. However given that many may have moved in, seen the dishes on other flats. Assumed it was ok. Have had the dish for years without the council or their housing officer ever having raised it as an issue. They may loose there own system.

If the communal sky system goes wrong. It goes wrong for many under this new system.