Expert Building Design in Connells Bay

Connells Bay is a tranquil foreshore pocket within Georges River, characterised by a mix of established waterfront residences, renovated cottages, and low-rise townhouses. The area is prized for quiet riverfront reserves, nearby boat ramps, and leafy streets that suit family life and relaxed weekend living.

At DMR Designs, we deliver Building Design Connells Bay solutions that respond to the suburb’s delicate foreshore setting while meeting contemporary living needs. Our approach focuses on capturing outlooks and breezes, protecting vegetation, and designing sympathetic additions that sit well within the local streetscape.

We create homes in Connells Bay that combine comfort, sustainability and compliance, ensuring every project fits the suburb’s character and adheres to Georges River Council planning controls.


Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Connells Bay?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Practical plans for growing households close to parks and local schools.

  • Waterfront Integration: Designs that maximise river views, cross-ventilation and outdoor living.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient, low-impact solutions appropriate for foreshore sites.

  • Suburban Harmony: Sensitive additions and contemporary rebuilds that respect established streetscapes.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled navigation of Georges River Council planning controls and foreshore rules.

Our Connells Bay designs deliver a perfect mix of lifestyle, environmental sensitivity, and compliance tailored to this suburb.


Georges River Council Requirements for Building in Connells Bay

 
  • Zoning types:

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential (selected precincts)

  • Setbacks:

    • Front setbacks typically 4.5m – 6m for detached dwellings

    • Side setbacks generally 0.9m – 1.5m depending on lot width; rear setbacks vary by dwelling type

  • Typical lot sizes:

    • Detached homes: 450m² – 900m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: 300m² – 500m²

  • Key constraints:

    • Foreshore building line and flood prone area controls on riverfront lots

    • Tree/vegetation protection and approved removal processes for significant canopy trees

    • Height controls (commonly around 8.5m–9m) and limits in heritage precinct pockets

  • Utilities available:

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

Building in Connells Bay requires designs that integrate the natural foreshore landscape while meeting Georges River Council standards.

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


DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Connells Bay 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):

  • Needed for multi-dwelling developments, projects that vary from local controls, or works within foreshore/flood overlays.

  • Common where heritage, vegetation or environmental impacts require assessment.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings, compliant duplexes, and straightforward extensions that meet all council controls.

  • Faster pathway for projects that fully conform to planning and construction rules.

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 Connells Bay

  • Detached waterfront homes, renovated post-war cottages, low-rise townhouses, and occasional duplex sites.

  • Yes — foreshore building lines, flood and stormwater controls, tree protection/vegetation management, and local height limits or heritage precinct rules in some streets.

  • Yes — we design solutions for knockdown-rebuilds, duplex potential where appropriate, and narrow-lot optimisation while protecting views, privacy, and environmental constraints.

  • While we know the Georges River area well, we also work across many suburbs within the Georges River Council area, including Hurstville, Oatley, Blakehurst, and more. Additionally, we are available for select projects up to 4 hours away from the Georges River 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 contemporary family homes to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We’d love to hear about your Georges River project and how we can assist.


Our Building Design Services in Connells Bay

We provide customised building design in Connells Bay for single homes, duplexes, and townhouses. Services include concept design, detailed documentation, DA/CDC lodgement support, and construction oversight — all tailored to foreshore sensitivities and council expectations.

From concept to council approval, we deliver Connells Bay designs that combine compliance, quality, and timeless style.

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 Connells Bay portfolio showcasing riverfront and family homes that balance outlooks, landscape protection, and practical living spaces.

Portfolio

Home Designs

Building in Connells Bay requires expert planning and design—exactly what we provide.


Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Connells Bay?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Georges River 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 Connells Bay?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Georges River Council area. From Hurstville and Oatley to Blakehurst and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.