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 Stowmarket?
In Stowmarket, an orangery typically costs £2,550–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £41,000–£57,500. Prices across the East of England are typically 6% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Stowmarket. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £28,000–£39,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £41,000–£57,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £56,000–£79,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,550–£3,600 |
What moves the price most:
- Frame material and colour
- Opening into the house
- Lantern size
- Amount and type of glazing
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Stowmarket?
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
On a typical orangery we handle:
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Building control sign-off where required
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Design to suit the style of the house
How long does it take?
Allow 8 to 12 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Stowmarket
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
From IP14 outwards, we take on projects throughout Stowmarket and the surrounding parts of Suffolk.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 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 Stowmarket
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 much does an orangery cost in Stowmarket?
In Stowmarket, an orangery typically costs £2,550–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £41,000–£57,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does it take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks on site once approvals are in place.
Who approves an orangery in Stowmarket?
Planning matters in Stowmarket 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.
