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 Oakham?
In Oakham, 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. The guide for Oakham reflects typical costs in the East Midlands, roughly 5% below the UK-wide figure. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Heating and flooring
- Opening into the house
- Amount and type of glazing
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 Oakham?
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.
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
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Flooring and decoration options
- Building control sign-off where required
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 8 to 12 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Oakham
The East Midlands has a mix of red-brick terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, so rear extensions and garage conversions are common projects.
Oakham sits in Rutland. We cover the whole of Oakham, including postcodes LE15.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about orangeries in Oakham
Do you build orangeries in Oakham?
Yes. We build orangeries across Oakham, including postcodes LE15. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does an orangery cost in Oakham?
In Oakham, 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.
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 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 long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
