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 Kempston?
In Kempston, an orangery typically costs £2,550–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £41,000–£57,500. That range is adjusted for the East of England, where domestic building work typically costs around 6% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £28,000–£39,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £41,000–£57,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £56,000–£79,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,550–£3,600 |
What moves the price most:
- Frame material and colour
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Heating and flooring
- Lantern size
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 Kempston?
Approvals for an orangery in Kempston 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Building control sign-off where required
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Flooring and decoration options
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- French, sliding or bifold doors
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 Kempston
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
Our Kempston coverage includes postcode districts MK42, and we also work in nearby places such as Kempston Hardwick, Bedford and Ampthill.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Kempston
How long does an orangery take in Kempston?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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 Kempston?
In Kempston, an orangery typically costs £2,550–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £41,000–£57,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
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.