Aerials: Position statement in response to enquiries from members of the public

Redditch Borough Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Team has received complaints from people living within a residential area about the nuisance and annoyance that a quantity of aerials is causing them.

The Council has a duty to respond to such complaints.  Investigations into these complaints revealed that residents are very concerned about the visual impact on the area and the invasion into their privacy when the resident carries out work to the aerials.  Safety is also an issue that has been raised, as well as interference to electrical equipment at varying times of the day.

The Council would like to address inaccurate assumptions that an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) is being applied for.  At no time has this measure been considered; it is not an appropriate intervention in response to the issue that we are trying to resolve.

Officers appreciate that this is a hobby and in wishing to be reasonable have attempted, through contact with the resident and his Solicitors, to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution by requesting that the quantity and height of the aerials are reduced.  

Naturally, the Council prefers that this situation is resolved amicably; however, it is necessary to balance the needs of the individual with that of the issues raised by residents within the wider community and if the matter is not resolved by these means further action may be necessary in order to reach a conclusion.