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 Christchurch?
In Christchurch, an orangery typically costs £2,450–£3,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £39,000–£55,000. Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Christchurch reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £27,000–£38,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £39,000–£55,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £54,000–£76,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,450–£3,450 |
What moves the price most:
- Frame material and colour
- Heating and flooring
- Opening into the house
- Size and shape of the footprint
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 Christchurch?
Approvals for an orangery in Christchurch 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Building control sign-off where required
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Flooring and decoration options
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Christchurch
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
From BH23 outwards, we take on projects throughout Christchurch and the surrounding parts of Dorset.
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
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 Christchurch
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
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.
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.
Who approves an orangery in Christchurch?
Planning matters in Christchurch go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does an orangery cost in Christchurch?
In Christchurch, an orangery typically costs £2,450–£3,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £39,000–£55,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.