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 York?
In York, an orangery typically costs £2,250–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 16 m² project that is roughly £36,000–£50,500. Building costs in Yorkshire and the Humber run about 7% below the UK average, and the figures for York are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (11 m²) | £25,000–£34,500 |
| Typical project (16 m²) | £36,000–£50,500 |
| Larger project (22 m²) | £49,500–£69,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,250–£3,150 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Size and shape of the footprint
- Opening into the house
- Heating and flooring
- 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 York?
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.
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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most orangeries:
- Insulated perimeter roof with internal pelmet
- Building control sign-off where required
- Roof lantern and glazed panels
- Design to suit the style of the house
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundations and dwarf walls or piers
How long does it take?
Allow 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 York
In Yorkshire, through-terraces and back-to-backs have particular constraints, while semis and detached houses suit larger extensions.
Projects in York (YO1, YO10, YO24 and YO31) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 York
Can it be used all year?
Yes. With an insulated roof, efficient glazing and heating, an orangery is comfortable all year.
Who approves an orangery in York?
Planning matters in York go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Can an orangery replace a conservatory?
Yes. We can remove an old conservatory and build an orangery on new or upgraded foundations.
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.
How much does an orangery cost in York?
In York, an orangery typically costs £2,250–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 16 m² project comes to roughly £36,000–£50,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.