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 Leicester?
In Leicester, an orangery typically costs £2,300–£3,250 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £37,000–£52,000. Prices across the East Midlands are typically 5% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Leicester. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £25,500–£36,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £37,000–£52,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £50,500–£71,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,300–£3,250 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Amount and type of glazing
- Opening into the house
- Heating and flooring
- Lantern size
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 Leicester?
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.
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on an orangery:
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Building control sign-off where required
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Flooring and decoration options
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 Leicester
In the East Midlands, many estates built since the 1960s have integral garages that convert well into a study or bedroom.
From LE1 outwards, we take on projects throughout Leicester and the surrounding parts of Leicestershire.
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
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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Leicester
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
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 long does an orangery take in Leicester?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
How much does an orangery cost in Leicester?
In Leicester, an orangery typically costs £2,300–£3,250 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £37,000–£52,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.