Expert Building Design in Castlereagh

Castlereagh is a semi-rural suburb in the Penrith area, celebrated for its expansive properties, equestrian facilities, and peaceful natural surroundings along the Nepean River. The suburb is popular with families and lifestyle-seekers wanting wide-open spaces while remaining within reach of Penrith’s urban conveniences.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Castlereagh that reflect its semi-rural residential character while ensuring full compliance with Penrith City Council planning regulations.

We proudly serve Castlereagh with designs that combine modern living with the charm of rural tranquility.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Castlereagh?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Homes designed with flexibility for both growing and extended families.

  • Suburban Harmony: Designs that blend with Castlereagh’s open landscapes and rural setting.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled in managing Penrith City Council’s unique rural building controls.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient designs suited to large properties and semi-rural living.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Tailored for lifestyle properties, hobby farms, and multi-generational households.

Our Castlereagh designs achieve a unique balance between modern comfort and country living.

Penrith Council Requirements for Building in Castlereagh

 

  • Zoning types

    • RU4 Primary Production Small Lots

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

  • Setbacks

    • Larger setbacks apply for rural zones, typically 10m–15m front

    • Side and rear setbacks vary by lot size and dwelling placement

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Rural residential lots: 2,000m²–10,000m²+

    • Smaller holdings in RU4 zoning may be closer to 2,000m²

  • Key constraints

    • Bushfire-prone land requiring BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) assessments

    • Flood-prone areas near the Nepean River

    • Height and floor space ratio limits to protect rural character

  • Utilities available

    • Mix of mains and on-site systems: water tanks, on-site sewer, electricity, and NBN (wireless in some parts)

Building in Castlereagh requires careful consideration of rural planning rules while enhancing property value and lifestyle.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Penrith Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Castlereagh Project?

Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you in finding the fastest and most compliant approval pathway—anywhere in New South Wales.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for larger homes, sheds, secondary dwellings, or developments in bushfire/flood-affected areas.

  • Needed for properties with environmental overlays or zoning-specific restrictions.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Possible for single dwellings or extensions that strictly meet rural zoning controls.

  • Faster approvals for straightforward rural homes and additions.

Need help figuring out which route suits your site? We’ll assess your block and walk you through your options.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Castlereagh

  • Yes, many parts of the suburb are bushfire-prone, requiring a BAL assessment before approval.

  • Secondary dwellings are allowed if the lot meets minimum size and zoning requirements under Penrith City Council.

  • Large country-style homes, modern rural residences, and lifestyle properties with open layouts are most common.

  • While we know the Penrith area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Penrith City Council area, including St Marys, Emu Plains, Jordan Springs, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Penrith Council area.

  • Cost depends on the scope of your project. We’ll walk you through pricing during your discovery call so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to take the next step?

From large acreage properties to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Penrith project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Castlereagh

We provide customised designs for homes, rural dwellings, and lifestyle properties that fit Castlereagh’s unique semi-rural setting.
From initial plans to final approvals, we ensure designs suit both council rules and lifestyle needs.

What to Expect: Our Building Design Timeline

A step-by-step look at how we take your project from concept to council approval and beyond.

Every project starts with a discovery call and ends with council-approved, build-ready plans.

Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:

Step 1 - Discovery Call

  • Let’s chat! We’ll have a quick call to understand your project and see how we can help.

Step 2 -Site Visit & Consultation (5–7 days)

  • We’ll meet at your site (or virtually), take a closer look, and discuss your vision in detail.

Step 3 - Fee Proposal (2 days)

  • You’ll get a clear, no-surprises proposal with the scope, timeline, and costs.

Step 4 - Concept Design (4 weeks)

  • We’ll create initial design ideas and layouts tailored just for you.

Step 5 - Design Development & Expert Coordination (2 weeks)

  • We’ll fine-tune the design and collaborate with any needed specialists (engineer, energy consultant, town planner, geo tech engineer, bushfire, heritage consultant, etc).

Step 6 - Final Adjustments (1 week)

  • We’ll polish everything and prepare the final drawings for submission.

Step 7 - Submission for Approval

  • We handle the council or certifier submission, so you’re ready for the next steps.

Want the full breakdown?

View our detailed process here.

From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together

Explore our Castlereagh portfolio showcasing designs that respect the rural environment while offering modern comfort.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Building in Castlereagh requires thoughtful planning and expertise—exactly what we deliver.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Castlereagh?

We’re here to help you take the next step, whether you’re

starting fresh or upgrading your Penrith home.

We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Book a discovery call or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.

Not based in Castlereagh?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Penrith City Council area. From St Marys and Emu Plains to Jordan Springs and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.