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 Swanley?
In Swanley, an orangery typically costs £2,700–£3,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £43,000–£61,000. The guide for Swanley reflects typical costs in the South East, roughly 12% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £29,500–£42,000 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £43,000–£61,000 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £59,500–£83,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,700–£3,800 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Opening into the house
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Amount and type of glazing
- Heating and flooring
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 Swanley?
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
On a typical orangery we handle:
- Flooring and decoration options
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Building control sign-off where required
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 12 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Swanley
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Our Swanley coverage includes postcode districts BR8, and we also work in nearby places such as Orpington, Sidcup and Dartford.
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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about orangeries in Swanley
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
How much does an orangery cost in Swanley?
In Swanley, an orangery typically costs £2,700–£3,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £43,000–£61,000. 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 Swanley?
Planning matters in Swanley go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.