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 Belper?
In Belper, an orangery typically costs £2,300–£3,250 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £37,000–£52,000. Prices across the East Midlands are typically 5% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Belper. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £25,500–£36,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £37,000–£52,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £50,500–£71,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,300–£3,250 |
What moves the price most:
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Amount and type of glazing
- Lantern size
- Opening into the house
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Belper?
Before anything is built in Belper, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on an orangery:
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Flooring and decoration options
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control sign-off where required
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Belper
In the East Midlands, many estates built since the 1960s have integral garages that convert well into a study or bedroom.
Our Belper coverage includes postcode districts DE56, and we also work in nearby places such as Ripley, Heanor and Alfreton.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Belper
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
Does an orangery need building regulations approval?
If it is open to the house or does not meet the conservatory exemption, yes. Most orangeries are treated as extensions and need building control approval, which we arrange.
How long does an orangery take in Belper?
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.
How much does an orangery cost in Belper?
In Belper, an orangery typically costs £2,300–£3,250 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £37,000–£52,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
