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 Horsham?
In Horsham, an orangery typically costs £2,700–£3,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £43,000–£61,000. That range is adjusted for the South East, where domestic building work typically costs around 12% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £29,500–£42,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £43,000–£61,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £59,500–£83,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,700–£3,800 |
What moves the price most:
- Opening into the house
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Frame material and colour
- Lantern size
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 Horsham?
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical orangery we handle:
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Building control sign-off where required
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Electrics, heating and plastering
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Horsham
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Horsham sits in West Sussex, about 18 miles north-west of Brighton. We cover the whole of Horsham, including postcodes RH12.
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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Horsham
Who approves an orangery in Horsham?
Planning matters in Horsham go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
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.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
How much does an orangery cost in Horsham?
In Horsham, an orangery typically costs £2,700–£3,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £43,000–£61,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
