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 West Glamorgan?
In West Glamorgan, an orangery typically costs £2,200–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £35,000–£50,500. Building costs in Wales run about 8% below the UK average, and the figures for West Glamorgan are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £24,000–£34,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £35,000–£50,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £48,500–£69,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,200–£3,150 |
What moves the price most:
- Heating and flooring
- Lantern size
- Opening into the house
- Size and shape of the footprint
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 West Glamorgan?
Here is how the rules work for an orangery in Wales. In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices must be served before work on a shared wall, on the boundary, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical orangery we handle:
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control sign-off where required
- French, sliding or bifold doors
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
How long does it take?
Expect 8 to 12 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in West Glamorgan
Terraced houses in Welsh towns often have narrow plots, which suits rear and side return extensions and rear dormers.
Towns we cover in West Glamorgan include Swansea, Neath, Gorseinon and Clydach.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about orangeries in West Glamorgan
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.
Do I need planning permission for an orangery in West Glamorgan?
In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
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.
Do you build orangeries in West Glamorgan?
Yes. We build orangeries across West Glamorgan, including postcodes SA1, SA10, SA11, SA12 and SA13. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does an orangery cost in West Glamorgan?
In West Glamorgan, an orangery typically costs £2,200–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £35,000–£50,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
