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 Penarth?
In Penarth, an orangery typically costs £2,200–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £35,000–£50,500. Building costs in Wales run about 8% below the UK average, and the figures for Penarth are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £24,000–£34,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £35,000–£50,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £48,500–£69,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,200–£3,150 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Amount and type of glazing
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Opening into the house
- 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 Penarth?
Here is how the rules work for an orangery in Wales. In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
Building regulations in Wales are set by the Welsh Government. Approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate 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
What we take care of:
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Flooring and decoration options
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Penarth
Wales has many terraced valley streets, stone cottages and post-war estates, so extension designs are shaped by slopes, materials and local character.
From CF64 outwards, we take on projects throughout Penarth and the surrounding parts of South Glamorgan.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Penarth
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
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 much does an orangery cost in Penarth?
In Penarth, an orangery typically costs £2,200–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £35,000–£50,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does an orangery take in Penarth?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery in Penarth?
In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
