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 Frome?
In Frome, 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. Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Frome are close to our national guide. 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:
- Amount and type of glazing
- Lantern size
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Heating and flooring
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 Frome?
Approvals for an orangery in Frome 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.
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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Flooring and decoration options
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Building control sign-off where required
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 Frome
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 BA11 outwards, we take on projects throughout Frome and the surrounding parts of Somerset.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Frome
How long does an orangery take in Frome?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
How much does an orangery cost in Frome?
In Frome, 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.
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 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.
