Back in 93 when cable/sky was first introduced, we had a free connection placed onto the block of our flats so we could connect for free. That was pre-Videotron/Cable & Wireless/NTL. It cost nothing and we had no Sky dishes around.
Over the past 10 years dishes have sprouted up all over the same block of flats and others, and Lewisham council did nothing even though it was against tenancy contracts. Look around there are dishes all over properties nowadays - If Lewisham Council cared about the borough, they'd do something about it not only in conservation areas.
I'd like cable over Sky, but its not available in my part of SE23, so i either get an ugly dish, or do without (as i currently am).