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 Irlam?
In Irlam, 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. The guide for Irlam reflects typical costs in the North West, roughly 6% below the UK-wide figure. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Opening into the house
- Lantern size
- Amount and type of glazing
- 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 Irlam?
Here is how the rules work for an orangery 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Flooring and decoration options
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
How long does it take?
Allow 8 to 12 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Irlam
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
If your home is in Irlam or close by in Urmston, Sale and Stretford, 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
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 Irlam
Do you build orangeries in Irlam?
Yes. We build orangeries across Irlam, including postcodes M44. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
How much does an orangery cost in Irlam?
In Irlam, 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 it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
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.
