Velux & Skylights St Ives

Planning Your Velux Installation

Velux window installation usually falls under Permitted Development and does not require planning permission — provided the windows do not protrude more than 150mm above the existing roof plane, are not on a wall forming the principal elevation facing a highway, and do not exceed the highest point of the existing roof. However, properties in conservation areas — including parts of Romsey Town, Petersfield and central Cambridge — have additional restrictions. Side-facing Velux windows in conservation areas typically require planning permission. We check requirements before every installation and advise if consent is needed.

Position matters more than most homeowners realise. A Velux window facing south floods the room with light but may need a blind to prevent overheating in summer. North-facing windows give even, consistent light without glare — ideal for home offices. The window should be positioned so the bottom edge is at least 900mm above floor level for safety, and high enough that standing occupants can see the ground outside. We help you choose the optimal position during the survey, considering light direction, head height, furniture layout and the structural constraints of your roof.

If you are considering a loft conversion with Velux windows, building regulations require a minimum head height of 2.2m over at least half the floor area. The roof pitch determines how much usable space you have — steeper pitches give more headroom. We assess these dimensions during the survey and advise honestly on whether your roof space is suitable for conversion before you invest in architectural drawings and building regulations applications.

Why St Ives Needs a Specialist Approach

St Ives sits on the Great Ouse, creating the highest humidity in our coverage area. Moss grows 2-3 times faster than on dry ground. Lead corrodes measurably faster. Mortar decays sooner. We specify EPDM over GRP for flat roofs, recommend twice-yearly gutter cleaning, fit oversized drainage outlets and use code 5 lead minimum where code 4 might suffice elsewhere. These are not upsells — they are the minimum specification that riverside conditions demand. St Ives is 15 miles from Cambridge, approximately 24 minutes drive.