Expert Building Design in Lane Cove West

Lane Cove West is a peaceful riverside suburb offering spacious family homes, quiet cul-de-sacs, and a strong community atmosphere. It is sought after for its bushland setting along the Lane Cove River, quality local schools, and convenient access to Macquarie Park, Ryde, and the Sydney CBD via major transport links.

DMR Designs provides tailored building solutions in Lane Cove West that reflect the suburb’s low-density residential charm while ensuring compliance with Lane Cove Council planning regulations.

We proudly serve Lane Cove West with designs that combine comfort, style, and practicality.


Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Lane Cove West?

  • Family-Oriented Layouts: Homes designed for comfort, flow, and liveability.

  • Suburban Harmony: Designs that suit Lane Cove West’s leafy, riverside character.

  • Compliance Expertise: Skilled navigation of Lane Cove Council’s planning controls.

  • Sustainable Practices: Energy-efficient designs suited to modern lifestyles.

  • Adaptable Spaces: Customised for families, professionals, and multi-generational living.

Our Lane Cove West designs deliver a harmonious balance of style, practicality, and compliance tailored to this suburb.


Lane Cove Council Requirements for Building in Lane Cove West

 
  • Zoning types

    • R2 Low Density Residential

    • R3 Medium Density Residential

  • Setbacks

    • Front setbacks typically 6.0 m (or in line with prevailing streetscape)

    • Side and rear setbacks vary according to dwelling height, storeys, and lot width

  • Typical lot sizes

    • Detached homes: around 550–750 m²

    • Townhouse/duplex sites: generally 450–600 m²+ depending on zoning

  • Key constraints

    • Tree Preservation controls for native and mature trees

    • Foreshore and bushland protections along the Lane Cove River

    • Height and bulk controls to maintain neighbouring amenity

  • Utilities available

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

Building in Lane Cove West demands designs that respect the suburb’s character while meeting all council standards.

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


DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Lane Cove West 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):

  • Typically required for multi-dwelling developments, townhouses, or projects seeking variations from CDC standards.

  • Necessary for sites within foreshore areas, environmental overlays, or heritage listings.

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for single dwellings, duplexes, and extensions meeting all relevant standards within the applicable zoning.

  • Allows faster approval for compliant, straightforward 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 Lane Cove West

  • Extensions near the foreshore are subject to additional environmental and scenic protection controls, requiring sensitive design and Council approval.

  • Most residential zones have a maximum building height of 9.5 m, with wall height and setback rules also applying.

  • Most mature trees require Council consent; species, height, trunk diameter and proximity to structures determine if a permit or arborist report is needed.

  • Yes—trees over certain height or trunk diameter thresholds require a permit; native species are often protected.

  • 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 waterfront designs to specialized compliance plans, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

We’d love to hear about your Lane Cove project and how we can assist.


Our Building Design Services in Lane Cove West

We offer customised building designs for homes, duplexes, and townhouses fitting Lane Cove West’s character and planning requirements.
From concept to council approval, we ensure compliance, style, and quality.

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 Lane Cove West portfolio showcasing homes designed for lifestyle, compliance, and local character.

Portfolio

Home Designs

Building in Lane Cove West requires expert planning and design—exactly what we provide.


Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Lane Cove West?

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

starting fresh or upgrading your Lane Cove 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 Lane Cove West?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across the entire Lane Cove Council area. From Greenwich and Longueville to Riverview and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—no matter where you call home.