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 Dronfield?
In Dronfield, an orangery typically costs £2,300–£3,250 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £37,000–£52,000. That range is adjusted for the East Midlands, where domestic building work typically costs around 5% below the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £25,500–£36,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £37,000–£52,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £50,500–£71,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,300–£3,250 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Opening into the house
- Amount and type of glazing
- Lantern size
- Heating and flooring
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 Dronfield?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control sign-off where required
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
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 Dronfield
The East Midlands has a mix of red-brick terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, so rear extensions and garage conversions are common projects.
If your home is in Dronfield or close by in Chesterfield, Sheffield and Staveley, a free home visit is the first step.
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 Dronfield
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.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
How much does an orangery cost in Dronfield?
In Dronfield, an orangery typically costs £2,300–£3,250 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £37,000–£52,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you build orangeries in Dronfield?
Yes. We build orangeries across Dronfield, including postcodes S18. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
