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 Staffordshire?
In Staffordshire, an orangery typically costs £2,350–£3,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £37,500–£53,000. Prices in the West Midlands sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Staffordshire reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £26,000–£36,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £37,500–£53,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £51,500–£72,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,350–£3,300 |
What moves the price most:
- Frame material and colour
- Amount and type of glazing
- Opening into the house
- Heating and flooring
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 Staffordshire?
Approvals for an orangery in Staffordshire 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.
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
What we take care of:
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Building control sign-off where required
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Flooring and decoration options
- French, sliding or bifold doors
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 8 to 12 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Staffordshire
Across the West Midlands, inter-war and post-war semis make up much of the housing, giving good scope for two-storey side extensions and hip-to-gable lofts.
Towns we cover in Staffordshire include Stoke-on-Trent, Burton upon Trent, Cannock, Tamworth, Stafford and Lichfield.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Staffordshire
How much does an orangery cost in Staffordshire?
In Staffordshire, an orangery typically costs £2,350–£3,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £37,500–£53,000. 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.
Who approves an orangery in Staffordshire?
Planning matters in Staffordshire go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
