Guides · Orangery guides
Orangeries: cost, build time and planning permission.
In short: Orangery cost depends heavily on size, glazing and roof design, and total project time is split fairly evenly between design and approvals and the build itself. Many orangeries fall within permitted development, but conservation areas, listed buildings and larger designs often need a planning application.
How much does an orangery cost?
Orangery cost depends heavily on size, glazing specification and roof design, so treat any figure you see online — including ours — as a starting point for budgeting, not a quote.
General cost ranges
As general UK market guidance: a smaller, entry-level orangery (around 3m x 3m with a standard specification) often falls in the region of £25,000–£40,000. A mid-size, mid-spec orangery (around 4m x 4m to 5m x 4m with bi-fold doors and a higher glazing specification) typically runs £40,000–£70,000. Larger, bespoke designs with premium brickwork detailing and higher-spec insulation and heating can run £70,000–£120,000 or more.
These are indicative of the wider UK market and aren't East Yorkshire Renovations' confirmed pricing.
What moves the price
The roof lantern size and glazing specification tend to be the biggest single cost driver, followed by door choice (bi-fold doors cost more than French doors), brickwork detailing, and whether underfloor heating is included. Ground conditions and how much groundwork is needed for foundations can also add unplanned cost if not assessed properly upfront.
How long does an orangery take to build?
Total project time is usually split fairly evenly between design and approvals, and the actual construction itself — both matter for planning your timeline realistically.
Design and approvals
Initial design typically takes a few weeks, covering layout, glazing and roof options. If a planning application is needed, that process adds several weeks on top, since local authorities have statutory determination periods. Building regulations drawings and approval run in parallel with this in most cases.
Construction
Once on site, a standard-sized orangery usually takes around 8–12 weeks to build, covering foundations, brickwork, roof and glazing installation, then electrics, heating and finishes. Larger or more complex designs, or those with bespoke glazing, can take longer. Weather can also affect groundworks and brickwork stages.
Do you need planning permission for an orangery?
Many orangery projects fall within permitted development, but it's genuinely property-specific — here's the general position, and where it tends to change.
When permitted development usually applies
Single-storey rear extensions, including orangeries, often fall under permitted development rights provided they stay within height and depth limits, and don't take the total area of extensions and outbuildings over a set proportion of the garden. This means many orangery projects don't need a full planning application.
When you're more likely to need an application
Conservation areas — including parts of the Avenues in Hull and several East Yorkshire villages — often have tighter permitted development restrictions, meaning a project that wouldn't need permission elsewhere might need a full application there. The same applies to listed buildings, and to designs that exceed standard permitted development size or height limits.
Building regulations approval is required regardless of the planning position, since an orangery is a structural, brick-built room.
Frequently asked questions
Orangeries: cost, build time and planning permission: FAQs.
Does an orangery cost more than a conservatory?
Generally, yes, because of the brickwork and structural roof involved, though a high-spec conservatory and a basic orangery can sometimes land in a similar range.
What's the best way to get an accurate orangery quote?
A site visit and design conversation, since cost depends heavily on your specific plot, foundations and specification. Get in touch for a free, tailored quote.
Can an orangery be built faster if planning permission isn't needed?
Yes, skipping the planning application stage can save several weeks, though building regulations approval is still required regardless.
What's the best time of year to start an orangery project?
Groundworks and brickwork are easier to schedule reliably outside the wettest winter months, though we build throughout the year and plan around weather where needed.
How do I find out if my property is in a conservation area?
Your local council's planning department (Hull City Council or East Riding of Yorkshire Council) can confirm this, or we can check as part of our initial consultation.
Do you handle the planning application for me?
Yes, where an application is needed, we advise on what applies and manage the relevant drawings and submission.