Expert Building Design in Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a leafy, character-rich suburb known for its heritage homes, large garden blocks, and serene streetscapes. With Cheltenham Station offering direct rail links and the nearby Beecroft Village providing local charm, this quiet suburb attracts families, professionals, and those looking to preserve or enhance its early 20th-century architectural charm.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Cheltenham—helping clients navigate heritage constraints, zoning overlays, and tree preservation requirements under Hornsby Shire Council. Whether you’re renovating a Federation home, extending for multigenerational living, or planning a sympathetic knockdown-rebuild, we bring compliance, creativity, and local knowledge to your project.

DMR Designs proudly serves Cheltenham and the entire Hornsby Shire. We also take on select residential projects up to 4 hours from the Hornsby Shire Council boundary.


Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Cheltenham?

  • Sensitive to Heritage & Character: We work within conservation area guidelines to maintain streetscape appeal.

  • Tree Preservation Planning: Cheltenham’s leafy canopy is protected—we design with minimal disruption and compliance in mind.

  • Tailored for Established Lots: Many Cheltenham blocks are over 900sqm—we optimize space while respecting context.

  • Experienced With DA-Heavy Suburbs: We’re used to council requirements for streetscape impact, material use, and facade detail.

  • Complete Service Offering: From initial concept through to expert reports and approval, we handle it all.

Our Cheltenham building design projects reflect timeless elegance while meeting all Hornsby Shire Council regulations.


The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Cheltenham

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 6–9m | Side: 900mm–1.5m depending on height and lot width

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Usually 0.4:1 in R2 zones, with further constraints in conservation areas

  • Average Block Size:

    • 900–1,200+ sqm, often level and landscaped

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with some properties in Heritage Conservation Areas

  • Local Considerations:

    • Heritage conservation is key. Street presentation, material use, and roof forms are carefully assessed by council. Significant trees and landscape character are protected.

Building in Cheltenham requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the The Hornsby Shire Council website.


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

Because of heritage overlays and vegetation controls, most Cheltenham projects require a Development Application (DA).

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most works affecting the front facade or within heritage streets

  • Assessed by Hornsby Shire Council with input from heritage officers

  • May need arborist, landscape, and materials reports

  • Allows for tailored, context-sensitive designs

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Only possible for internal or rear-only works with no heritage impact

  • Faster approvals via private certifiers

  • Must meet all planning and design standards without triggering heritage clauses

We’ll confirm the correct path and coordinate all consultants as needed.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Cheltenham

  • Yes—renovations are allowed but must align with conservation controls. We’ll guide you through approvals.

  • 8–12 weeks from concept to DA submission is typical in heritage areas.

  • That’s possible, but council will assess how your new design contributes to the character of the street.

  • Not at all—we also work across the entire Hornsby region, including Mount Colah, Hornsby, and Waitara. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hornsby Shire 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?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic home.


Our Building Design Services in Cheltenham

We offer custom home design, heritage renovations, extensions, rebuilds, and landscape-integrated planning—all tailored to the large, leafy lots and character streets of Cheltenham.

From sympathetic facades to modern family additions, our Cheltenham building design services bring old-world charm and new ideas together—seamlessly and stress free.

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 how we’ve helped Cheltenham and heritage-area homeowners maintain their property’s legacy while adding modern comfort and functionality.

Portfolio

Home Designs

From period-style extensions to refined rebuilds, our Cheltenham building design services honor the past—while planning for your future.


Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Cheltenham?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re renovating a heritage gem or creating a timeless new residence.

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 Cheltenham?

DMR Designs proudly services the entire Hornsby Shire Council area—from the riverside homes of Brooklyn and Berowra Waters to the leafy streets of Beecroft, Wahroonga, and Westleigh. Wherever you're building across the Shire, we bring the same expert process and personalized design approach to every project.