Do You Have to Have Planning Permission for an Orangery

An orangery is an elegant way to expand your living space with more light and style than a full extension and more substance than a traditional conservatory. With their brick bases, large windows and partially glazed roofs, orangeries are a popular choice for homeowners looking to create open-plan kitchens, garden rooms or dining areas. But whether you need planning permission for one depends on several key factors including size, height and location. In many cases, orangeries fall under permitted development rights, but there are important conditions to understand before building.

What Counts as an Orangery

In planning terms, an orangery is considered a single storey rear extension to the main dwelling. Unlike a conservatory, which is mostly made of glass, an orangery typically includes a solid roof perimeter with a roof lantern, as well as more substantial walls and foundations. This design makes it suitable for year-round use as part of your home.

Because it is classed as an extension, an orangery is subject to the same planning rules as other types of ground floor additions. This means that in many situations, you can build one without needing to submit a full planning application, provided you stay within the rules set out under permitted development rights.

Permitted Development Rights for Orangeries

Under permitted development, you do not usually need planning permission for an orangery if it meets the following criteria. The orangery must be built at the rear of the property and not extend more than three metres from the original rear wall for a semi detached or terraced house, or four metres for a detached house. However, through the larger home extension scheme, you may be able to extend up to six or eight metres if you notify the council first under prior approval.

The overall height must not exceed four metres, and if the orangery is within two metres of a boundary, the eaves height must be no more than three metres. The orangery must not cover more than fifty per cent of the land around the original house. These limits apply to all additions combined, including sheds and garages.

Materials must be similar in appearance to the rest of the house, and the orangery should not include balconies, raised platforms or roof terraces. If these conditions are met, the orangery will likely fall within permitted development and not require formal planning permission.

When Planning Permission Is Needed

You will need to apply for planning permission if your proposed orangery exceeds the permitted dimensions or includes features such as a balcony, raised platform or wraparound footprint. You will also need permission if your home is in a conservation area, national park, or is subject to an Article 4 Direction which removes permitted development rights.

If your property is a listed building, you will need both planning permission and listed building consent, regardless of size or design. The local authority will assess the impact on the character and setting of the listed structure, and may impose strict controls on the appearance and materials used.

If your orangery is proposed at the side or front of the house and faces a highway, planning permission may be required depending on its visual impact and local policy.

Building Regulations for Orangeries

Even if planning permission is not needed, Building Regulations approval is required for most orangeries. This ensures that the structure is safe, energy efficient and properly built. Regulations will apply to foundations, insulation, glazing, roof structure, fire safety and drainage. Openings between the orangery and the original house must also comply, especially if load-bearing walls are being removed.

Unlike conservatories that may be exempt if they are thermally separated and have their own heating, orangeries are generally treated as part of the house and must comply fully with the regulations. Your builder or architect should liaise with the local Building Control team or use an approved inspector to ensure compliance.

Neighbour Impacts and Design

While planning permission may not be required, it is important to consider the impact of your orangery on neighbouring properties. Large extensions that are close to boundaries may raise concerns about light or privacy. Councils may receive complaints even for lawful developments, especially where the structure dominates the shared boundary or changes the character of a street.

Choosing materials that complement the main house, keeping rooflines modest, and planting around the structure can help reduce objections and improve overall appearance. Where prior approval is required, neighbours will be formally notified and have the opportunity to comment.

Real World Examples

A homeowner in Surrey added a 3.8 metre orangery to the rear of a detached property. By using matching bricks and complying with the height and volume rules, they avoided planning permission and received prior approval under the larger home extension scheme.

In contrast, a homeowner in a conservation area in Manchester applied for planning permission for a 5 metre orangery with a roof lantern. Although well designed, the council required adjustments to materials and roof height to ensure it respected the appearance of surrounding heritage homes.

Certificate of Lawfulness

If you want peace of mind that your orangery does not need planning permission, you can apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development from your local planning authority. This is not a requirement, but it provides formal proof that the build complies with the rules, which is useful when selling or remortgaging the property.

Conclusion

In many cases, you do not have to have planning permission to build an orangery, provided it meets the criteria for permitted development. These include size limits, height restrictions and a rear-facing position using matching materials. However, if your home is listed, in a protected area or the orangery is unusually large or visible from the street, planning permission may be necessary. Building Regulations will almost always apply. Always check with your local authority before starting work, and consider applying for a lawful development certificate to confirm your position.