Expert Building Design in Leonay

Leonay is a prestigious riverside suburb in Penrith, nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains along the Nepean River. Known for its leafy streets, golf course lifestyle, and larger family blocks, Leonay offers a relaxed community atmosphere with easy access to Penrith CBD and transport.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Leonay, ensuring designs highlight the suburb’s natural beauty and family-friendly environment while meeting Penrith City Council regulations.

We proudly serve Leonay with designs that combine elegance, comfort, and compliance.


Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Leonay?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Spacious designs suited to growing families.

  • Suburban Harmony: Homes that blend with Leonay’s natural and riverside environment.

  • Compliance Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Penrith City Council planning controls.

  • Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly designs that respect the local landscape.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Flexible solutions for multi-generational and lifestyle living.

Our Leonay designs combine comfort, sustainability, and council compliance.


Penrith Council Requirements for Building in Leonay

 
  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • RE1 Public Recreation (golf course and riverfront areas)

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks: typically 6m

    • Side and rear setbacks vary based on lot size and dwelling type

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: 600m²–1,200m²

    • Duplex sites: 700m²+ (subject to zoning)

  • Key constraints

    • Flood risk in some riverside properties

    • Slope management at the base of Blue Mountains

    • Vegetation and bushfire controls in some areas

  • Utilities available

    • Fully serviced with water, sewer, gas, electricity, and NBN

Building in Leonay requires designs that respect both natural constraints and council planning rules.

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


DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Leonay 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 developments near the river or on bushfire-prone land.

  • Necessary for projects outside CDC standards or on sloping sites.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings, extensions, and compliant dual occupancies.

  • Provides a faster approval route for straightforward, low-impact projects.

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 Leonay

  • Yes, but flood and environmental restrictions apply, and a DA may be required.

  • Yes, many properties feature generous lots, ideal for family homes and luxury builds.

  • Certain areas near the foothills have bushfire controls, requiring specific design compliance.

  • 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 Leonay

We offer customised designs for family homes, luxury residences, and duplexes that suit Leonay’s riverside and foothill character.
From planning to approvals, we deliver designs that respect the landscape while providing modern comfort.

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 Leonay portfolio, showcasing homes that maximise views, lifestyle, and council compliance.

Portfolio

Home Designs

Building in Leonay requires expert design that balances nature and modern living—something we specialise in.


Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Leonay?

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 Leonay?

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.