Do You Need Planning Permission for an Orangery? What UK Homeowners Should Know

"Thinking of adding more light and space to your home? An orangery might be just what you’re after. These stylish structures sit somewhere between a conservatory and a full extension, giving you a bright new space that feels like part of the house. But before you start planning, you're probably wondering — do you need planning permission for an orangery?

The short answer is: maybe. In many cases, you won’t need planning permission, thanks to something called “permitted development” rules. But it depends on a few things, like the size of the orangery and where your home is located. If you want to see some examples of what an orangery can look like, you can check out https://www.hadleighglass.co.uk/conservatories/orangery/.

So, let’s clear up the basics.

If your orangery sticks to the following points, you may not need permission:
- It doesn’t cover more than half the area of your garden.
- It’s not higher than your home’s roof.
- It doesn’t go out more than 3 metres from the back of a semi-detached or terraced house (or 4 metres if your house is detached).
- It doesn’t go above 4 metres in height or block neighbours’ light.

If your home is in a conservation area, is a listed building, or if other extensions have already been added, the rules might be tighter. In those cases, it’s best to check with your local planning office just to be sure.

One more thing — even if you don’t need planning permission, you’ll still need to follow building regulations. These are different rules that make sure your orangery is safe, energy-efficient, and built properly. Depending on how your orangery is built and used, an inspector might need to take a look.

Planning ahead can save you a lot of stress later. If you’re using a builder or installer, they can often take care of the permissions and checks for you. Just be  www.ekoflooring.us  to ask upfront.

Adding an orangery can be a lovely way to enjoy more space and natural light, whether as a dining area, relaxing space, or home office. Just make sure you’ve got all your paperwork sorted before the foundations go in!"