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 St Austell?
In St Austell, an orangery typically costs £2,450–£3,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £39,000–£55,000. Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for St Austell reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £27,000–£38,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £39,000–£55,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £54,000–£76,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,450–£3,450 |
What moves the price most:
- Heating and flooring
- Lantern size
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Amount and type of glazing
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in St Austell?
The approval route for St Austell is set by planning law 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on an orangery:
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Building control sign-off where required
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- French, sliding or bifold doors
How long does it take?
Allow 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 St Austell
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
St Austell sits in Cornwall, about 14 miles north-east of Truro. We cover the whole of St Austell, including postcodes PL25.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in St Austell
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
Who approves an orangery in St Austell?
Planning matters in St Austell go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does an orangery cost in St Austell?
In St Austell, an orangery typically costs £2,450–£3,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £39,000–£55,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
