What is an orangery?
An orangery is an extension with brick or block piers, large areas of glazing and a solid perimeter roof around a central roof lantern. It sits between a conservatory and a traditional extension: brighter than an extension, warmer and more private than a conservatory.
How much does an orangery cost in Antrim?
In Antrim, an orangery typically costs £2,050–£2,900 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £33,000–£46,500. The guide for Antrim reflects typical costs in Northern Ireland, roughly 14% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £22,500–£32,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £33,000–£46,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £45,000–£64,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,050–£2,900 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Heating and flooring
- Amount and type of glazing
- Lantern size
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Antrim?
Approvals for an orangery in Antrim follow the rules for Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Building control sign-off where required
- Flooring and decoration options
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
How long does it take?
Allow 8 to 12 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Antrim
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
We work across Antrim and neighbouring areas such as Ballymena, Newtownabbey and Belfast. Postcodes we cover in Antrim include BT41.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Antrim
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
Who approves an orangery in Antrim?
Planning matters in Antrim go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery in Antrim?
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?
An orangery has a solid roof around a central lantern and more brickwork, while a conservatory is mostly glazed. Orangeries are usually warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
How much does an orangery cost in Antrim?
In Antrim, an orangery typically costs £2,050–£2,900 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £33,000–£46,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.