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 Cumbria?
In Cumbria, 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. Prices across the North West are typically 6% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Cumbria. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Opening into the house
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Frame material and colour
- Amount and type of glazing
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Cumbria?
Before anything is built in Cumbria, 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.
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:
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Building control sign-off where required
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 12 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Cumbria
Terraced streets across the North West often suit rear dormers and single-storey kitchen extensions.
Towns we cover in Cumbria include Carlisle, Barrow in Furness, Kendal, Whitehaven and Workington.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 Cumbria
How much does an orangery cost in Cumbria?
In Cumbria, 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.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
Who approves an orangery in Cumbria?
Planning matters in Cumbria go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
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.