Do You Need Planning Permission for an Orangery

Adding an orangery to your home is an elegant way to increase natural light and create a stylish extension that bridges the gap between traditional architecture and contemporary design. Often seen as a blend between a conservatory and a full extension, an orangery can add real value and functionality to your property. But before you begin construction, it is essential to understand whether planning permission is required. In many cases, orangeries can be built without full planning consent, but specific conditions must be met under UK planning law.

What Is an Orangery in Planning Terms

An orangery is a glazed extension, typically featuring solid walls with large windows and a partially glazed roof, often with a roof lantern at its centre. While conservatories are mostly glass and lightweight, orangeries are more substantial and generally built from brick or masonry, with better insulation and year-round use in mind.

Because they are considered single-storey rear extensions to the main dwelling, orangeries fall under the same permitted development rules as other ground-floor additions. However, the size, height, materials and position of the orangery will determine whether it qualifies under permitted development rights or requires planning permission.

Permitted Development Rules for Orangeries

Under permitted development rights, which apply to most houses in England, you can build an orangery without planning permission if it meets the following criteria. The orangery must be at the rear of the original house, meaning the structure as it stood on 1 July 1948 or when first built. It must not extend beyond the rear wall of the house by more than three metres for a semi detached or terraced home, or four metres for a detached house.

However, homeowners may take advantage of the Larger Home Extension Scheme, which allows extensions up to six metres for semi detached homes and up to eight metres for detached homes, provided they go through the prior approval process. This involves notifying the local planning authority and giving neighbours a chance to comment.

The orangery must not be higher than four metres overall, and the eaves must not exceed three metres if the structure is within two metres of a boundary. The total area covered by all extensions, including existing conservatories or outbuildings, must not exceed fifty per cent of the land around the original house. The orangery should also be built using materials that match or complement the main house.

When Planning Permission Is Required

You will need planning permission if the proposed orangery exceeds permitted development limits or is located on land where those rights have been removed. This includes properties in conservation areas, national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or sites affected by Article 4 Directions. Listed buildings will also require listed building consent and often a full planning application, regardless of the orangery’s size or design.

Planning permission may also be necessary if the orangery is positioned at the front or side of the house and faces a highway, or if the materials used significantly differ from the existing house. If the orangery includes a balcony, raised platform or roof terrace, permission is always required.

Building Regulations and Orangeries

Even if planning permission is not needed, Building Regulations approval is still required for most orangeries, especially if they are designed for permanent living space. This includes compliance with standards for insulation, energy efficiency, foundations, structural support and fire safety.

Unlike conservatories that may be exempt if they are thermally separated and have their own heating system, orangeries are generally subject to full Building Regulations. This ensures the space is safe, energy-efficient and structurally sound.

You will need to appoint a qualified contractor or designer familiar with the requirements and ensure Building Control is notified. The foundations, roof structure and any openings into the existing property must all meet the relevant standards.

Design Considerations and Neighbours

Although not a formal planning requirement, it is always advisable to consider the impact of your orangery on neighbouring properties. A well-designed orangery that avoids overshadowing or overlooking will minimise the risk of objections or enforcement issues. Using sympathetic materials, keeping within scale and ensuring appropriate drainage will also help the build go smoothly.

Where an orangery is located close to a boundary, sound insulation, boundary treatment and shared access should be reviewed before work begins. If your property is leasehold or subject to restrictive covenants, further permissions may be required beyond planning controls.

Examples in Practice

A homeowner in Cambridgeshire added a 3.5 metre rear orangery to a semi detached house. By going through the prior approval process, they were able to proceed without full planning permission. The council received no objections from neighbours, and the build complied with permitted development rules.

In contrast, a listed Georgian home in Bath required both planning permission and listed building consent for a bespoke hardwood orangery. The local authority required heritage-style windows and brickwork to match the original building and imposed conditions on lighting and roof design to protect the historical setting.

Certificate of Lawfulness

If you want certainty that your orangery is within permitted development limits, you can apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development. This is not a legal requirement, but it provides official confirmation from your local authority that planning permission is not needed. It is particularly useful if you plan to sell your home or want to avoid future disputes.

Conclusion

In many cases, you do not need planning permission to build an orangery, provided it meets the criteria set out under permitted development rights. These include limits on height, depth, materials and overall coverage of your garden. Building Regulations approval is nearly always required, and planning permission will be necessary for larger builds, listed properties or protected areas. Always check with your local authority if you are unsure, and consider applying for a Certificate of Lawfulness for peace of mind. A carefully planned orangery can be an excellent way to enhance your living space without the delays of a full planning application.