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 Bedford?
In Bedford, an orangery typically costs £2,550–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £41,000–£57,500. The guide for Bedford reflects typical costs in the East of England, roughly 6% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £28,000–£39,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £41,000–£57,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £56,000–£79,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,550–£3,600 |
What moves the price most:
- Opening into the house
- Lantern size
- Frame material and colour
- Amount and type of glazing
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 Bedford?
The approval route for Bedford is set by planning law in England. In England a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: broadly up to 3 metres deep on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 metres on a detached house, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary, and covering no more than half the garden. The larger home extension scheme allows up to 6 or 8 metres if you notify the council first and neighbours have a chance to comment. In conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes the larger home extension route, side extensions and cladding are not permitted development. Flats and houses whose rights have been removed need a planning application, and listed buildings need listed building consent.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- Building control sign-off where required
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Design to suit the style of the house
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Flooring and decoration options
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Bedford
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
We work across Bedford and neighbouring areas such as Kempston, Kempston Hardwick and Ampthill. Postcodes we cover in Bedford include MK40.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about orangeries in Bedford
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
How much does an orangery cost in Bedford?
In Bedford, an orangery typically costs £2,550–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £41,000–£57,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does an orangery take in Bedford?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Does an orangery need planning permission?
The same rules as a single-storey extension apply. Many are permitted development, depending on depth, height and your house’s location.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.