Do You Need Planning Permission for a Static Caravan?

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to build an orangery on your home in the UK, as long as the structure follows the rules set out under permitted development rights. These rights allow homeowners to carry out certain types of building work without going through the full planning process, provided the orangery meets specific criteria for size, placement, and design.

For an orangery to be considered permitted development, it must be built at the rear or side of the property, must not extend too far or be too tall, and must not take up more than half the land around the original house. If the structure is large, wraps around the home, or includes features that affect neighbouring properties or the street view, planning permission is more likely to be required.

Also, if the property is listed, located in a conservation area, or has had permitted development rights removed (which is common on new-build estates), planning permission may be necessary regardless of the orangery’s size.

Does an Orangery Need Building Regulations?

Yes, an orangery usually does need to meet Building Regulations, even if planning permission isn’t required. Building Regulations focus on how the structure is built — not where it’s placed or how big it is. This includes things like structural integrity, energy efficiency, foundations, damp-proofing, ventilation, and thermal performance.

If the orangery is fully open to the rest of the house without a separating door, the regulations become stricter. In this case, the orangery is considered a proper extension rather than an independent space, which means higher insulation and heating standards apply. You’ll also need to ensure that any electrics and glazing meet safety requirements.

Working with a qualified builder or contractor who understands how to comply with Building Regulations is essential. At the end of the project, you should receive a completion certificate from Building Control to confirm the work meets UK standards.

How Big Can You Build an Orangery Without Planning Permission?

You can build a single-storey rear orangery up to 3 metres deep for a semi-detached or terraced house, or up to 4 metres deep for a detached house, without planning permission. If you go through the larger home extension scheme, those limits increase to 6 metres for semi-detached and 8 metres for detached homes — but you’ll need to notify the council and your neighbours under the prior approval process.

The orangery must not exceed 4 metres in height with a dual-pitched roof or 3 metres for any other roof style. If it’s within 2 metres of a boundary, the maximum height drops to 3 metres. It also can’t cover more than 50 percent of the land surrounding the original house.

If your orangery design goes beyond these limits, you’ll need to submit a full planning application. You may also need permission if you plan to build it at the front of the house or in a visible location.

How Can I Find a Specialist to Build My Orangery?

The best way to find a specialist is to look for experienced contractors who specialise in orangeries, conservatories, and single-storey extensions. Many reputable companies offer design-and-build services, which means they can handle the entire process — from planning advice and drawings to construction and Building Regulations compliance.

Check for installers with experience in similar projects, and look for accreditations such as FENSA or CERTASS for glazing work and TrustMark for general construction. Ask to see photos of completed projects, request references, and make sure the company provides detailed contracts, timelines, and warranties.

Getting quotes from at least three different firms is a good way to compare not just prices, but professionalism, responsiveness, and quality of service. You should also check whether the builder will handle planning applications or prior approval submissions on your behalf if needed.

How Much Does an Orangery Cost to Be Installed by a Professional?

The cost of a professionally built orangery depends on the size, materials, design complexity, and location. On average, a small to mid-sized orangery can cost anywhere from £15,000 to £30,000. Larger or high-spec builds with custom glazing, roof lanterns, and underfloor heating can cost £35,000 to £50,000 or more.

Cheaper DIY kits or basic builds may come in below that range, but they typically don’t include foundations, electrics, insulation, or internal finishes. Remember, an orangery is closer to a solid extension than a conservatory, and it needs to be built to last — so it’s worth investing in quality.

If you’re adding electrics, lighting, or heating, those costs need to be factored in too. Professional installation ensures compliance with both planning law and Building Regulations, so while it’s not cheap, it adds long-term value and peace of mind.

An Orangery Is Legally Treated as an Extension

A lot of people assume orangeries are treated like conservatories — lightweight, glazed structures that are loosely attached to the house. But in planning terms, an orangery is classed as a solid, permanent extension, because it usually has brickwork, a solid roof with a roof lantern, and proper insulation.

This means the rules that apply to extensions also apply to orangeries, even if the design looks more decorative. That’s why height, footprint, boundary proximity, and location on the plot all matter when deciding if planning permission is needed.

Front-Facing Orangeries Are Not Covered by Permitted Development

Even a modest orangery cannot be built at the front of your house without planning permission. Permitted development only applies to extensions at the rear or, in some cases, the side — but never at the front. If your design includes a prominent orangery that’s visible from the road or alters the house’s primary elevation, you’ll need to go through the full planning process.

Detached Homes vs Semi-Detached: Rules Change

The maximum size you can build under permitted development differs depending on whether your home is detached or semi-detached/terraced. Detached homes can extend further (4 metres under basic rules, 8 metres under prior approval), while semi-detached and terraced homes have smaller limits (3 metres under basic rules, 6 metres with prior approval). This applies to orangeries too.

Don’t assume that because your neighbour has a large rear extension, you can copy it — they may have had planning permission granted, or built it under earlier rules.

Building Near Boundaries Triggers Height Limits

If your orangery is within 2 metres of a boundary, the maximum allowed height is reduced to 3 metres, regardless of roof shape. Even if you’re not planning something huge, this rule can catch you out — especially with a lantern-style roof that adds extra height. Planning officers will measure from natural ground level to the tallest point, including decorative elements.

Combining with Previous Extensions Can Void Permitted Rights

Permitted development rights don’t refresh every time you build. If your property already has a rear extension — whether it’s a conservatory, a kitchen extension, or a garden room — that space counts toward your total allowance. This means your new orangery might take you over the size or volume limits allowed under permitted development, even if it’s relatively modest on its own.

If that happens, you’ll need planning permission, because the council will treat your orangery as part of a combined development footprint.

Applying for a Lawful Development Certificate Is Smart

Even if you’re confident that your orangery falls under permitted development, applying for a Lawful Development Certificate is a smart move. It’s official confirmation from the council that your build didn’t require planning permission. This certificate protects you from enforcement and makes things easier if you sell the house or need to prove the legality of the build to insurers, surveyors, or solicitors.

Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Change Everything

If your property is listed, you’ll need listed building consent before building an orangery, even if it’s at the rear and modest in scale. If you’re in a conservation area, permitted development rules may still apply, but councils are far more likely to scrutinise the design, size, and materials. In some cases, you’ll need to submit a full application to show the orangery won’t harm the area’s character.

Planning Isn’t the Only Concern — Drainage, Foundations, and Party Walls Matter Too

Even with planning permission sorted or not required, you may still need:

• Approval under the Party Wall Act if you’re building up to or near a shared wall

• Consent for changes to drainage, especially if you're building over or near a public sewer

• Strong enough foundations to support a brick-based orangery, which adds cost and complexity compared to a conservatory

Final Word

Orangeries fall into that grey zone — more substantial than a conservatory, but not quite a full brick extension. That makes them a popular choice, but also easy to get wrong in terms of planning rules. The safest approach is always to check your local planning policies, confirm what counts toward your permitted development limit, and get written approval or a lawful development certificate before work starts.