Lean To Conservatory – How Much Does It Cost And Do You Need A Planning Permission?

If you’re thinking of adding an extension onto your home, then a lean to conservatory could be the best decision you make. Not only will a lean to conservatory instantly add value to your home, it will also increase the footprint of your home.

Not only that, a lean to conservatory will allow more light into your home and blend your indoor space with your outdoor space, something that you will highly appreciate when winter comes knocking and you can’t throw the back doors open wide as you do in the summer.

A lean to conservatory is one of the most popular forms of conservatory in England and Wales due to its modern design. And whilst we offer other types of conservatories here at Orangeries UK, from timber conservatories, oak lean to conservatories, pine conservatories, hardwood conservatories and wood conservatories to Georgian conservatories, the lean-to conservatory remains one of our perennially popular conservatories.

The advantages of a lean to conservatory

A lean to conservatory doesn’t just offer a sleek addition to your home, it is also a timeless design, one that adds instant value and kerb appeal to your home, and provides additional space for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.

• Space. It’s not a secret that a lean to conservatory will add more space for your family to use. You are after all increasing the footprint of your home. But best of all, because this space is enclosed inside your home, you can use it all year round and however you wish. You could turn it into a dining room if you like, or a playroom for the children, or simply an additional living area. The choice is yours.
• Value. A lean to conservatory can only increase the value of your property. By adding extra square footage to your home, you are increasing the value of your home. And if you opt for a well established company such as Orangeries UK to construct your conservatory for you, you are guaranteeing the work you do.
• More natural light. We humans need natural light to function. Natural light is what governs our internal body clock, it tells us when to go to sleep and when to wake up. Natural light even affects our moods. So the more natural light you can have flooding your home, the better it will be for your health. A lean to conservatory is typically made from glass, and there’s a reason these extensions are also known as sun rooms!

To summarise the benefits of a Lean-to conservatory :

✅ Simple and Sleek Design:

Lean-to conservatories have a clean and minimalist design, making them a great choice for contemporary and modern homes. They feature a sloping roof that leans against the existing wall of the house, creating a seamless extension that blends well with the existing architecture.

✅ Space Efficiency:

Lean-to conservatories are excellent for maximizing available space. Their rectangular or square shape allows for efficient use of the floor area, making them ideal for smaller gardens or houses with limited space.

✅ Cost-Effective:

Due to their straightforward design and construction, Lean-to conservatories are often more affordable compared to other conservatory styles. The simple roof structure and fewer materials required can help reduce the overall cost of the project.

✅ Versatility:

Lean-to conservatories are versatile spaces that can be adapted to various uses. They can serve as a sunroom, dining area, home office, or even a playroom, depending on your needs and preferences.

✅ Energy Efficiency:

Lean-to-conservatories can be designed with energy-efficient glazing and insulation, ensuring thermal efficiency and reducing heat loss during the colder months. Double or triple glazing options help to retain heat and minimize energy consumption, making the space comfortable throughout the year.

✅ Natural Light:

The sloping roof of a Lean-to conservatory allows for ample natural light to enter the space. This creates a bright and airy atmosphere, making it a pleasant area to relax, unwind, and enjoy the surrounding views.

✅ Easy Maintenance:

Lean-to-conservatories typically have a simpler design with fewer complex features. This makes them easier to clean and maintain over time. Regular cleaning and upkeep of the glass panels and frames will help keep the conservatory looking its best.

How much does a lean to conservatory cost

The most basic of lean to conservatories can be constructed relatively cheaply, from as little as a few hundred pounds, but if you aren’t prepared to spend money on your lean to extension, then don’t expect it to last for very long.

A lean to extension cost can vary depending on the size of the structure that you want to build onto your home, and the materials used to construct the lean to conservatory.

Here at Orangeries UK, prices for a lean to conservatory start from £7995 and the whole conservatory will be manufactured right here in the UK in our dedicated joinery, from the highest quality FSC accredited hardwoods to guarantee that your investment in your home improvement lasts for years.

The price that you pay for a lean to conservatory from Orangeries UK includes the whole process, from start to finish. From the initial consultation with you regarding your choice of lean to conservatory, through to the design brief, taking care of any planning permission along the way.

We will also help you choose your conservatory roof options for your lean to conservatory, what colour you would like your lean to conservatory to be finished in (we can stain your wood or even paint it in premium Farrow and Ball paints) and any other customisations that you would like to ensure that your lean to conservatory is truly bespoke to you.

To summarise the cost of a lean conservatory:

The cost of a Lean-to conservatory can vary depending on several factors such as size, materials used, location, and any additional features or customization. It’s important to note that the following estimates are rough averages and actual costs may differ:

❌ Size:

The size of the conservatory is a significant factor in determining the cost. Larger conservatories will generally cost more than smaller ones due to the increased materials and labor involved. On average, a Lean-to conservatory can range from £10,000 to £30,000 or more.

❌ Materials:

The choice of materials for the conservatory will affect the cost. Factors such as the frame material (uPVC, aluminum, or timber), glazing options (double or triple glazing), and roofing materials will contribute to the overall expense. uPVC frames are typically more affordable, while timber frames can be more expensive.

❌ Design and Customization:

Any additional design features or customization will add to the cost. For example, if you require bespoke elements, special glazing treatments, or specific architectural details, the price will increase accordingly.

❌ Installation:

The cost of installation can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the labor rates in your area. It is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple reputable conservatory installers to get a better understanding of the installation costs.

❌ Extras:

Consider any additional features you might want to include in your Lean-to conservatory, such as heating, ventilation, electrical work, or flooring. These extras will add to the overall cost.

To get a more accurate estimate for your specific requirements, it’s recommended to consult with conservatory suppliers or contractors who can provide detailed quotes based on your desired specifications. They will consider factors such as your location, the size of the conservatory, materials, and any additional features you require. Obtaining multiple quotes will allow you to compare prices and make an informed decision.

Do you need planning permission to put up a lean to conservatory

If you’re considering adding any extension onto your property, including a lean to extension, then you’ll need to check to see if you require planning permission before you begin any construction work.

Here at Orangeries UK we will provide you with full assistance to help you work through the planning permission process, regardless of whether you actually require planning permission or not. We like to ensure that all of our customers are aware of the rules and building regulations that surround lean to conservatory extensions and planning permission.

Under UK law, you are required to seek planning permission if you wish to build or modify the use of any land or buildings. Saying that however, you don’t always need planning permission if you are only constructing a conservatory, you could fall under ‘permitted development rights’. Single storey extensions and some conservatories come under this category.

Your lean to conservatory needs planning permission if:

• The lean to conservatory is more than one storey
• The lean to conservatory is larger than 6m (if your home is a terrace or semi-detached house)
• The lean to conservatory is larger than 8m (if your home is a detached house)
• The lean to conservatory will be taller than 4m or 3m (if you are within a 2m boundary)
• The lean to conservatory covers more than half of your garden
• The lean to conservatory roof will be higher than the eaves of your home’s roof
• The side extensions of the lean to conservatory extend beyond more than half the width of your home
• You are planning on including a veranda, balcony or raised platform with your lean to conservatory
• You are planning on using materials to build your lean to conservatory that are considerably dissimilar to the materials used in the construction of your home
• You have already extended your property

Frequently Asked Question about Your lean to conservatory 

Certainly! Here are three frequently asked questions about lean-to conservatories along with their answers:

Are lean-to conservatories suitable for small gardens?

Yes, lean-to conservatories are well-suited for small gardens. Their compact design and rectangular shape make them ideal for maximizing space in limited areas. They can be easily customized to fit the available space while still providing a functional and visually appealing extension to your home.

Can I use a lean-to conservatory as a kitchen extension?

Yes, lean-to conservatories can be used as kitchen extensions. They can provide a bright and airy space for a kitchen, allowing you to enjoy natural light while cooking or dining. It’s important to consider factors such as proper ventilation, insulation, and heating when using a lean-to conservatory as a kitchen to ensure it remains comfortable and functional throughout the year.

Do lean-to conservatories require planning permission?

In many cases, lean-to conservatories can be installed without the need for planning permission. They often fall within permitted development rights, which allow certain types of home improvements without formal permission. However, it’s important to check with the local planning authority or consult a professional to ensure compliance with regulations specific to your area.

Author:  Daniel Foley Carter

BIO:

Daniel Foley Carter has 10 years of experience in the joinery and wood fabrication sector. Daniel has written for major publications such as House and Home, Timber Weekly and Construction UK. Daniel has worked with a large number of construction and woodwork projects and has extensive experience with wood properties, wood selection and the utilisation of wood in home extensions and construction.