TV aerial - upset neighbour

[magso]

We have a workshop and garage in the back garden ( worshop behind the garage). Dh has fitted a tv aerial to the back of this building (on the gable end) so he can watch tv whilst using his rower. There are a lot of trees to screen the thing so he did not espect any upset never occured to him other properties could see it. However our neighbour is spitting mad! Apparently they can see it from their conservatory and are furious we did not ask them first. Dh has dropped it as low as he can (it is well below the ridge line)- he did this in the dark last night - as he is away this week.
Whilst we do not need planning permission for an old fashioned tv aerial (and they are very ugly!), I do not want to upset my neighbour if it can be avoided. Dh is unhappy at the dispute -he is after all within his right and I can see him digging his heels in if the neighbour goes on threatening. They are convinced it is oversized ( it is the smallest available) and needs planning permission.
Anyway as dh is now away (and I do not want to mess with the aerial), and I know my neighbour is likely to takle me ( she was very upset yesturday)I thought I would suggest Dh go to visit neighbour so he can see for himself what needs to be done to make it invisible/ less obtrusive - ie move it slightly.
What would you do?

I would politely point out that it is the smallest available, below the ridge line, does not need planning permission and then ignore it and let DH deal with it.

my Dad has an aerial in the roof of the garage for the same reason, would this be an option?

Your neighbour is potty!

I would tell them as far as I am aware no planning permission needed and it is the smallest, secured at the lowest point. If they aren't happy they can come up with a solution for you to consider (but not really). They sound a bit odd really. My neighbours erected their tampoline on the patio so when I was in my PJ's (or worse) their children could look in my kitchen window as they bounced . The sight must have scared them as it was moved a few months later .

Thanks all. I will ask DH if it could be fitted inside the roof, but meanwhile remain polite (as always) and hope it can be left till dh (the techncal one) returns.

If it were fitted at the other end of the building would it be further away from them?

No it is already at the far end, but as I think it is the angle the neighbours conservatory faces (across our garden) moving it a little to left or right may help. Cannot tell without going next door. Not technical but I think screening with plants would spoil the signal. Will have another look.

May I suggest you build a much taller fence?
I think you can go up to 2 meters, legally.
Would she prefer that?

Suggest to her that you get a taller fence, that way she wont see the arial.

btw, I think....

If your neighbours conservatory is facing across your garden, does it have planning permission?

Usually planning permission is not granted if the building has direct views across others gardens, as you would not be able to enjoy the privacy of your garden!

And now you are not!

She has no right to dictate what is making an eyesore for her in your garden, as she should not even be looking.

She's happy to look at the end of the garage without an ariel on is but not with one on it? She sounds to me like she's being nosey and should mind her own business. I think I would also be putting a stonking high fence up so she can't see anything.

It's just a form of bullying...ignore the neighbours, they have no rights not to see an aerial

Thank you for warning me of potential problems. I was planning to speak to them but maybe I should check with the council there are no odd local bylaws. If there is a way to put it completely out of view all the better. Its shiney and new at present so perhaps more obvious than the old ones on other roofs. It is only visible through trees so hopefully we will find a way! I have ordered a small garden store (to put toys in) but now I have worries about that. The hedge is very high so hopefully that will be well out of sight!

They are mad.We live in a conservation area where you can't do anything without pp.But the village is in a dip,so we all have huge tv aerials to get any reception at all.There is nothing your neighbours can do.