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 Durham?
In Durham, an orangery typically costs £2,150–£3,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £34,500–£49,000. Building costs in the North East run about 10% below the UK average, and the figures for Durham are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £23,500–£33,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £34,500–£49,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £47,500–£67,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,150–£3,050 |
What moves the price most:
- Frame material and colour
- Heating and flooring
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Opening into the house
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 Durham?
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
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Building control sign-off where required
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Durham
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
Durham sits in County Durham. We cover the whole of Durham, including postcodes DH1.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Durham
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
How long does an orangery take in Durham?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Does an orangery need planning permission?
The same rules as a single-storey extension apply. Many are permitted development, depending on depth, height and your house’s location.
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.
How much does an orangery cost in Durham?
In Durham, an orangery typically costs £2,150–£3,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £34,500–£49,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.