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 Bishop Auckland?
In Bishop Auckland, an orangery typically costs £2,150–£3,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £34,500–£49,000. The guide for Bishop Auckland reflects typical costs in the North East, roughly 10% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £23,500–£33,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £34,500–£49,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £47,500–£67,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,150–£3,050 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Heating and flooring
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Lantern size
- Amount and type of glazing
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Bishop Auckland?
Approvals for an orangery in Bishop Auckland follow the rules for 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical orangery we handle:
- Flooring and decoration options
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Building control sign-off where required
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 12 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Bishop Auckland
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
From DL14 outwards, we take on projects throughout Bishop Auckland and the surrounding parts of County Durham.
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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Bishop Auckland
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 Bishop Auckland?
In Bishop Auckland, an orangery typically costs £2,150–£3,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £34,500–£49,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
Who approves an orangery in Bishop Auckland?
Planning matters in Bishop Auckland go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
