Adding an orangery to your home is a wonderful way to create more space, enjoy natural light, and add value to your property. As a conservatory and orangery contractor who’s worked on numerous orangery projects, I can tell you first-hand that getting the right design is important, but understanding building regulations is critical. Without the right permit, what seems like a straightforward project can turn into a costly headache.
Here I will reveal everything you need to know about building regulations for orangeries in the UK—what’s required, common pitfalls, and how to avoid costly mistakes. By the end, you’ll be well on your way to planning your dream orangery while staying on the right side of the law.
What Makes Orangeries So Popular?
Orangeries have been gaining popularity among UK homeowners over the past decade. They are a stylish middle ground between a conservatory and a full extension, with solid walls and rooflines combined with large windows for a bright, airy feel.
Personal Insight: Why I Love Working on Orangeries
One of the reasons I love working on orangeries is how versatile they are. I’ve had clients use them as dining areas, playrooms for children, or home offices. They’re functional and elegant and—if built correctly—can add significant value to a home.
Do You Need Planning Permission for an Orangery?
One of the first questions homeowners ask me is whether they’ll need planning permission. The good news is that in many cases, orangeries fall under permitted development rights, which means you won’t need to apply for planning permission as long as the structure meets certain criteria.
When Planning Permission Is Required
However, there are exceptions. If your property is in a conservation area or a listed building, you will need to seek permission. Also, if the orangery surpasses certain size limits—such as covering more than 50% of the original land around your house—you’ll also need approval. Always check with your local planning authority to be sure.
Key Building Regulations You Need to Know
While planning permission isn’t always required, building regulations are a different story. These rules ensure your orangery is safe, energy-efficient, and structurally sound. Let’s break down the main regulations you need to be aware of.
Structural Safety
One of the primary concerns with any build is structural integrity. The foundation of your orangery needs to be deep and solid enough to support the walls and roof. Depending on the size and design of the orangery, your foundation may need to be as deep as one metre. I once had a client who tried to cut corners on the foundation, and it nearly cost them the entire project. We had to stop midway and redo it—lesson learned.
Thermal Efficiency
Orangeries are unique in that they often have large windows, making heating challenging. To comply with building regulations, your orangery must meet energy efficiency standards. This includes having proper insulation in the walls, floors, and roof, as well as using energy-efficient glazing. I always recommend low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, which helps keep heat in while still letting in plenty of light.
Fire Safety
Fire safety is another vital factor, particularly if your orangery is attached to the main house. You’ll need to make sure it’s built using fire-resistant materials, especially for the walls and roof. If your orangery is close to a boundary, additional regulations may apply to prevent the spread of fire to neighbouring properties.
Electrical Work
If your orangery will include any electrical installations—whether it’s lighting, sockets, or heating—those will need to comply with UK electrical safety standards. You’ll need a certified electrician to carry out the work, and they’ll provide you with an Electrical Installation Certificate upon completion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building an Orangery
Even with the best of intentions, I’ve seen homeowners make some common mistakes when planning their orangeries. Here are a few you’ll want to avoid:
Underestimating the Costs
It’s easy to get carried away when designing your orangery. You might start with a modest plan but soon find yourself adding skylights, bi-fold doors, and underfloor heating. While these features can be amazing, they all add to the cost. Make sure you set a realistic budget at the start and stick to it.
Ignoring Building Regulations
Skipping out on building regulations can result in more than just fines. I had a client a few years ago who ignored the requirement for proper insulation. They ended up with a room that was impossible to heat in winter. In the end, they had to rip out the flooring and redo the insulation—doubling their costs.
Failing to Hire a Qualified Contractor
I can’t stress enough the importance of hiring a contractor who understands building regulations. I’ve taken on several rescue jobs where the original contractor cut corners, leading to many issues that could have been avoided. Always check that your builder is registered and experienced in building orangeries.
How to Ensure Compliance with Building Regulations
The best way to make sure your orangery meets all building regulations is to plan carefully from the start. Here are a few steps you can take:
Submit a Full Plan Application
For peace of mind, I always recommend submitting a full plans application to your local council. This involves submitting detailed drawings of the proposed build, which will then be reviewed by building control officers to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
Work with Building Inspectors
Throughout the construction process, building inspectors will visit your site at various stages to ensure everything is being done to code. Don’t view this as a hassle—these inspections are there to protect you and make sure your orangery is safe and compliant.
What Happens If Your Orangery Doesn’t Comply?
If your orangery doesn’t meet building regulations, you could face serious consequences. The local authority may issue an enforcement notice, which means you’ll need to make costly modifications or, in extreme cases, take down the structure entirely. Non-compliance can also make it difficult to sell your home in the future, as buyers will want proof that everything was built to code.
Final Thoughts
Building an orangery is a rewarding investment, but it’s not without its challenges. Understanding and adhering to building regulations will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Remember, the key to success is proper planning, working with experienced professionals, and ensuring compliance at every build stage.
If you’re thinking about adding an orangery to your home, take the time to do it right. Trust me, when you’re sitting in your new space, enjoying the sunlight, you’ll be glad you did.