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 Cheshire?
In Cheshire, an orangery typically costs £2,250–£3,200 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £36,000–£51,000. The guide for Cheshire reflects typical costs in the North West, roughly 6% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £25,000–£35,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £36,000–£51,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £49,500–£70,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,250–£3,200 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Lantern size
- Amount and type of glazing
- Size and shape of the footprint
- 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 Cheshire?
Before anything is built in Cheshire, 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.
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
What we take care of:
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control sign-off where required
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Cheshire
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
Towns we cover in Cheshire include Warrington, Chester, Crewe, Ellesmere Port Town, Widnes and Runcorn.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and 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 Cheshire
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.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
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 Cheshire?
In Cheshire, an orangery typically costs £2,250–£3,200 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £36,000–£51,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does an orangery take in Cheshire?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.