Do I Need Planning Permission For an Orangery?

If you’ve always wanted to add more living space and light to your home, then it could be that an orangery is an ideal addition for you. It’s a luxury addition that would complete the home, and potentially something you’ve had in mind for a long time – perhaps ever since you first set eyes on your home!

As with all projects of this nature, one of the first things you might start to think about is whether you need planning permission to add an orangery to your property. That’s why we’ve created this quick guide to the planning permission question, as well as clearing up the difference between an orangery and a conservatory, and the benefits you’ll reap should you go ahead with this dream project.

Let’s start by clearing up what exactly an orangery is.

What is an orangery?

While it might seem like a strange name, an orangery is named as such because of its history. It’s a dedicated extension of your property, but is commonly constructed with larger windows and less brickwork. This classic design was used to ensure that fruit-bearing trees could be kept alive and in their natural rhythm throughout winter months – hence that fruit-based name.

Often confused with a conservatory, an orangery is a much more elegant option, dating back to between the 17th and 19th centuries. While a conservatory uses some elements of an orangery, such as windows, an orangery has wider, taller windows that make it look more like a greenhouse. An orangery is distinct from a greenhouse, however, because it adjoins your home to expand your living space in a more permanent way.

Do I need planning permission for an orangery?

Thankfully, the answer to this question is often: no, you don’t need planning permission. An orangery can fall within your permitted development rights if it meets certain criteria, allowing you to build additional living space on your land as long as:

• Your orangery isn’t going to be forward of the front or side of the original house facing onto the road.
• Your orangery doesn’t cover more than 50% of the land around your home (in addition to any other outbuildings or extensions)
• Your orangery is only a single storey of no more than 4 metres in height
• Your orangery doesn’t extend further than the rear of the house by more than 4 metres (this applies to detached homes, this is reduced to 3 metres if you have a semi-detached home)
• The height of your orangery doesn’t exceed the height of the eaves on the roof of your property

These rules apply to standard homes, but you won’t have permitted development rights to fall back on if you live in a listed building, a flat, a maisonette or a house that is in a conservation area. 

We always recommend that, if you’re planning an orangery, you contact your local planning office to make sure you are able to do so and that your property isn’t classed as one of the above.

The benefits of an orangery

When you have so many options available to you for expanding at the rear of your home, it can be hard to decide which is right for you. An orangery has many benefits that have made it an enduringly popular addition, including:

• It creates an elegant living space all year round. Thanks to the extended glazing, your orangery will do what it was designed for: expanding the living space you have while keeping it warm. 

• It boosts the value of your home. With an orangery added to your home, you can expect the property to increase in value when you come to sell. This is subject to market conditions, of course, but you ought to be able to sell your home for more than a neighbour who doesn’t have an orangery or any type of extension because of the increase in quality living space.
  
• It’s a brighter space to enjoy your garden. Thanks to the large windows, you’ll get a lovely bright room you can gaze out into the garden from; whether that’s admiring your green-fingered handiwork or watching the local wildlife.

Choose a reliable orangery construction company

When you need a reliable, local building company to help you achieve the dream orangery conservatory and extension, look no further than Bosaco. Helping homeowners in Nottingham to navigate the tricky world of planning permission and delivering quality workmanship no matter how big or small the project is, we pay attention to the details for professional results that you can be proud of for years to come.

Our services as building and construction experts for homes across Nottingham means we’ve already helped so many customers just like you. Contact us today to find out more about our services or to discuss your plans for an orangery, and we’ll be happy to assist you with our many years of expertise.