Residents in Brighton & Hove seeking to manage tree growth affecting television reception must navigate specific local policies. Local authorities often face difficult decisions when balancing environmental preservation with residents’ utility concerns.
Council policy on TV signals
Under current guidelines, Brighton & Hove City Council states that they do not normally prune or fell healthy trees due to interference with television or satellite signals.
The council’s tree strategy explicitly lists signal disruption as a reason for refusing works. This policy is based on the principle that trees are a vital public asset and that signal issues can often be resolved through technical adjustments rather than the removal of greenery.
Official advice for residents experiencing signal blockages includes:
- Relocating the television aerial or satellite dish to a different part of the property where the line of sight is clear.
- Installing a higher mast or a more powerful signal booster.
- Switching to alternative platforms, such as cable or internet-based streaming services, which do not rely on a direct line of sight to a transmitter.
Your rights and the law
Under UK common law, residents generally have the right to prune overhanging branches back to their property boundary. However, this right is subject to several strict conditions. The work must be carried out from the resident’s own property, as entering council land or a neighbour’s garden to perform the pruning without permission is considered trespass.
Furthermore, it is essential to check if a tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is located within a conservation area. In these instances, any work—even on overhanging branches—requires formal written consent from the local planning authority. Carrying out unauthorised work on a protected tree can lead to significant fines.
In cases where a tree is claimed to have physically damaged property, such as an aerial, the responsibility for repairs typically falls on the property owner. Liability for damage caused by council-owned trees usually requires proof of negligence, such as the council failing to act on a known defect in a diseased or unstable tree.
For most residents facing signal issues, technical experts recommend consulting a qualified aerial installer to explore repositioning options before attempting any pruning, as the growth of trees is a natural occurrence that property owners are expected to accommodate where possible.
