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 County Londonderry?
In County Londonderry, an orangery typically costs £2,050–£2,900 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £33,000–£46,500. Prices across Northern Ireland are typically 14% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for County Londonderry. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £22,500–£32,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £33,000–£46,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £45,000–£64,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,050–£2,900 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Lantern size
- Amount and type of glazing
- Heating and flooring
- Opening into the house
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in County Londonderry?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing 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
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Flooring and decoration options
- Building control sign-off where required
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
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 County Londonderry
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Towns we cover in County Londonderry include Derry, Coleraine, Limavady and Magherafelt.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 County Londonderry
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
How much does an orangery cost in County Londonderry?
In County Londonderry, an orangery typically costs £2,050–£2,900 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £33,000–£46,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you build orangeries in County Londonderry?
Yes. We build orangeries across County Londonderry, including postcodes BT28, BT45, BT46, BT47 and BT48. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
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.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery in County Londonderry?
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
