Expert Building Design in Croom

Croom is a semi-rural suburb in the Shellharbour region, known for its open landscapes, agricultural land, and sporting facilities such as the Croom Sporting Complex. With its wide blocks and peaceful surroundings, the area is distinct from the nearby residential estates, offering opportunities for lifestyle properties and larger family homes. Its proximity to Albion Park and Shellharbour City Centre makes it a convenient yet secluded place to live.

At DMR Designs, we deliver tailored Building Design Croom services that respect the suburb’s rural character. From large lifestyle homes to practical secondary dwellings, our designs balance open space living with compliance under Shellharbour City Council planning controls.

Our focus is on creating homes that connect with the natural setting while providing modern comfort, energy efficiency, and functionality. Each design is adapted to take advantage of Croom’s generous lot sizes and unique rural environment.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Croom?

  • Rural Lifestyle Focus: Homes designed for large lots and semi-rural living.

  • Sustainable Practices: Eco-conscious designs to reduce energy and water use.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Flexible layouts for family living, home offices, or multi-generational households.

  • Heritage Respect: Designs that complement the area’s established rural character.

  • Compliance Expertise: Detailed knowledge of Shellharbour City Council rural planning rules.

Our Croom projects combine country lifestyle appeal with practical, council-compliant design.

Shellharbour Council Requirements for Building in Croom

 

  • Zoning types:

    • RU2 Rural Landscape

    • RE1 Public Recreation (for sporting and open space areas)

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks typically 10m – 20m

    • Side and rear setbacks vary by lot size and use

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Rural lifestyle lots: 2,000m² – 10,000m²

    • Larger rural holdings: 1 hectare or more

  • Key constraints:

    • Bushfire-prone land in some areas

    • Limitations on subdivision due to rural zoning

    • On-site wastewater management may be required for larger lots

  • Utilities available:

    • Power, water, and NBN available in most areas; some sites may require on-site sewer solutions

Building in Croom requires designs that balance rural lifestyle living with Shellharbour City Council planning controls.

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

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Croom 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 most new dwellings in rural zones, especially on larger or environmentally sensitive lots.

  • Necessary for secondary dwellings or agricultural-related buildings.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Limited applicability in Croom due to rural zoning.

  • May apply for minor alterations or compliant secondary dwellings where criteria are met.

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 Croom

  • Croom is mainly home to large rural properties with lifestyle houses, farm-style dwellings, and modern acreage builds.

  • Yes, rural zoning requires larger setbacks, bushfire management, and in some cases on-site wastewater treatment.

  • Absolutely — we create designs that maximise space, integrate with the landscape, and provide flexibility for families and hobby farming.

  • While we know the Blue Mountains area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Blue Mountains City Council area, including Katoomba, Springwood, Leura, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Blue Mountains 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 coastal-inspired designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Shellharbour project and how we can assist.

Our Building Design Services in Croom

We offer customised building design in Croom for rural homes, secondary dwellings, and renovations. Whether it’s a lifestyle residence, a modern acreage home, or a functional dual-occupancy, we provide tailored solutions that suit the land and lifestyle.

From initial concepts through to council approval, our Croom projects focus on achieving comfort, functionality, and compliance.

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

Our Croom designs showcase how rural living can combine with modern convenience. From spacious family homes with large verandahs to flexible secondary dwellings, each project is designed to fit seamlessly with the natural environment.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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With expert planning and rural design knowledge, DMR Designs makes building in Croom simple, stylish, and compliant.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Croom?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Shellharbour 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 Croom?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Shellharbour City Council area. From Barrack Heights and Oak Flats to Albion Park and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.