People in one part of York could soon need council permission to install a satellite dish

Residents in one area of York may soon be required to ask the council for permission to install things like satellite dishes, solar panels and heat pumps.

People living in the Heslington conservation area will have to apply for planning permission if they want to install these items, or wish to build a porch, add roof-lights or install a fence facing the road.

Normally, permission isn’t required. But City of York Council is set to agree to a request by Heslington Parish Council for an “article 4 direction”.

“Within conservation areas, article 4 directions are typically served to protect historic and traditional features such as windows, doors, building materials and boundary treatments and discourage their replacement with inappropriate alternatives; and to control the installation of external equipment such as aerials and solar panels that may affect the character of the area,” a council report explains.

The aim is “to conserve traditional features which contribute to the architectural and historic character and appearance of the Conservation Area”.

A consultation about the plan received five responses. Three were supportive, one from York Civic Trust suggested extended the scope of the plan, and a fifth sought clarification about a specific property.

If the article 4 direction is confirmed, it would come into effect in June 2023.

It will be discussed at the decision session for the executive member for economy and strategic planning next Tuesday (24 January).