Expert Building Design in Nelson

Nelson is a quiet, semi-rural pocket located near Box Hill and Rouse Hill, offering a rare blend of acreage lifestyle and growing urban access. Known for its spacious properties, peaceful surrounds, and proximity to major growth areas, Nelson appeals to families, retirees, and landowners looking for long-term investment and tranquility.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Nelson—offering custom rural homes, dual occupancies, and future-proof designs that align with The Hills Shire Council requirements. Whether you're building your dream acreage retreat or planning for future development, we tailor every project to your land, lifestyle, and goals.

DMR Designs proudly serves Nelson and surrounding suburbs with smart, compliant, and lifestyle-focused design services. We also take on select projects within a 2 to 4 hour travel radius from the Nelson region.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Nelson?

  • Acreage-Friendly Designs: We optimize layouts for wide frontages, long driveways, and generous setbacks.

  • Ready for Future Zoning Shifts: We factor in potential planning changes from nearby Box Hill and Rouse Hill growth areas.

  • RU Zoning Expertise: Skilled with rural land requirements and overlays under The Hills Shire Council.

  • Custom Family & Dual Living Homes: Perfect for multi-generational setups or investment-focused designs.

  • All-In-One Service: From concept to council approval, we handle every stage with care and clarity.

Our Nelson building design projects are crafted for acreage living today—with an eye on future growth potential.

The Hills Shire Council Requirements for Building in Nelson

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 10m–20m | Side: 5m–10m, depending on block size and zoning

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically 0.1:1 for RU zoning

  • Average Block Size:

    • 2,000 sqm to 2 hectares; some properties may transition into future subdivisions

  • Zoning:

    • RU6 Transition and RU1 Primary Production are common

  • Local Considerations:

    • May be affected by future rezoning or urban expansion planning—bushfire and environmental controls may also apply

Building in Nelson must meet The Hills Shire Council’s setback and block coverage rules to preserve the area's spacious character and development readiness.

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

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

Most Nelson developments require a DA due to rural zoning and ongoing planning changes, but select projects on compliant R2 land may qualify for a CDC.

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


DA (Development Application):

  • Common for acreage properties, dual occupancies, and unique designs

  • Lodged through The Hills Shire Council

  • Offers flexibility for future-minded builds

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • May apply to basic homes or additions that meet all planning and building standards

  • Issued by a private certifier

  • Limited in use due to zoning or environmental overlays


We’ll assess your site and provide the right approval strategy based on your goals.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Nelson

  • Yes—most projects require a DA, especially on RU-zoned land or large properties.

  • Usually 8–10 weeks, depending on design complexity and any required consultant reports.

  • Definitely. We consider lot orientation, access points, and subdivision-friendly layouts where applicable.

  • Not at all—we also design in Box Hill, Rouse Hill, and other parts of The Hills and Hawkesbury region. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hill 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?

Whether you’re building now or planning for future growth, we’ll help design your perfect home in Nelson.

Our Building Design Services in Nelson

We design custom homes, dual occupancies, granny flats, and future-ready layouts that work with The Hills Shire Council’s evolving framework. Whether you’re focused on lifestyle or investment, we’ll deliver compliant, thoughtful designs from start to finish.

Let’s bring your vision to life.

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

View our portfolio of rural and semi-rural homes designed for families, flexibility, and council compliance.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From family living to long-term investment, our Nelson building design services are made for you.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Nelson?

We’re here to create a home that fits your

land, vision, and future.

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 Nelson?

DMR Designs proudly works with homeowners across The Hills Shire Council area. From Baulkham Hills and Kellyville to Norwest and beyond, we bring the same personalized design approach to every project—wherever you call home.