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 Wembley?
In Wembley, an orangery typically costs £3,100–£4,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £49,500–£70,500. The guide for Wembley reflects typical costs in London, roughly 30% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £34,000–£48,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £49,500–£70,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £68,000–£97,000 |
| Rate per m² | £3,100–£4,400 |
What moves the price most:
- Lantern size
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Amount and type of glazing
- Heating and flooring
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery in Wembley?
Before anything is built in Wembley, we confirm which approvals apply 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
What we take care of:
- Building control sign-off where required
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Design to suit the style of the house
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Wembley
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
Wembley sits in Greater London, about 8 miles north-west of central London. We cover the whole of Wembley, including postcodes HA0.
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 fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 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 Wembley
How much does an orangery cost in Wembley?
In Wembley, an orangery typically costs £3,100–£4,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £49,500–£70,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
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 Wembley?
Planning matters in Wembley go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
