Residential building design project Aintree, Melbourne western suburbs

Building design and permits for Aintree properties

RD Building Design is a western suburbs building designer covering Melton and neighbouring councils.

Whether you are extending, adding a secondary dwelling, or building new, RD Building Design manages the full design and permit process. We are a registered building design practice based in Melbourne's west, working across Melton.

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Who is RD Building Design?

Rhys Davies Building Designer (DP-AD 43008) Adv.Dip. Building Design (Arch.), Registered Building Practitioner (Arch.) RD Building Design

A registered building design practice based in Melbourne's western suburbs, working across Melton and neighbouring councils.

We specialise in residential projects: extensions, granny flats, dual occupancy, knockdown rebuilds, and new homes. One designer leads your project from start to finish.

Straightforward communication, realistic timelines, and permit documentation that is right the first time.

Curious about the difference between a building designer and an architect?

Making the most of a Aintree block

Smaller lots in Aintree leave less margin for error. An extension that pushes a setback, triggers overlooking, or reduces private open space beyond what the scheme allows will not get through permit.

RD Building Design resolves these trade-offs at design stage, not at permit assessment. We work on compact inner-west sites regularly and understand how the Melton Planning Scheme applies to tighter blocks.

Extensions designed for how you live

In Aintree, where most homeowners stay long-term, extensions are about solving a genuine problem: the kitchen that doesn't work for a growing family, the lack of a second living space, or a master bedroom that was fine for two.

Design quality matters more when you are living with the result for years. RD Building Design designs extensions around how a household actually functions: traffic flow, light, storage, and the relationship between indoor and outdoor space.

Residential building design in Aintree

Every property is different, and the right project depends on your block, your goals, and the planning controls. RD Building Design covers the full range.

Extensions. Ground floor, upper level, or both. Full ResCode compliance, structural coordination, and permit drawings.

Secondary dwellings. Granny flats, studios, and home offices. Our Boxed Buildings SIP panel kits are designed for fast assembly. We manage design and permit drawings.

Dual occupancy. Two separately titled homes on a single lot. Full feasibility and design where zoning supports it.

knockdown rebuild. Start fresh with a home designed specifically for your site and household.

New home design. For vacant land or subdivided lots. Brief to building permit.

What you can build in Aintree

Planning controls and development potential under the Melton Planning Scheme

Council

Melton

Planning scheme

Melton Planning Scheme

Predominant zones

GRZ General residential zone

Allows moderate housing growth. Dual occupancy viable on lots of 300sqm+ per resulting title. Medium density development permitted with a planning permit.

UGZ Urban growth zone

Applies to land on Melbourne's urban fringe identified for future residential development. Development is guided by precinct structure plans that set out lot sizes, density targets, and infrastructure requirements.

Planning overlays

No heritage, flood, or design overlays apply broadly to this suburb. Individual properties should still be checked for site-specific overlays.

Typical lot size

Small to medium (typically under 500sqm)

Site coverage is frequently the binding constraint. Extensions and secondary dwellings need careful positioning to stay under the 60% site coverage limit.

Granny flat viability

Permitted up to 60sqm without a planning permit under Victoria's 2023 provisions, but site coverage is likely to be the binding constraint. Many blocks can accommodate a secondary dwelling if existing building footprint allows.

Dual occupancy

Limited viability

Predominantly NRZ zoning or small lot sizes restrict dual occupancy to a small number of properties. Site-specific assessment essential.

Location

30km from Melbourne CBD. Nearest station: None - bus services.

This summary reflects general planning conditions for Aintree as of 2025. Individual properties may have additional overlays or conditions. A property assessment confirms exactly what applies to your block.

Building design services in Aintree

Whatever your project RD Building design can help.

New home design

Custom home design from initial brief through to permit-ready documents

Knockdown rebuild designs

A completely new design on your existing block, built around the life you want

Residential extensions and renovations

Additions that connect and blend with your existing home

Townhouses / Multi-Unit design

Multiple dwellings on one site, with all planning and documentation managed

How building design works with RD Building Design

Here is how a typical project runs.

Initial consultation. We discuss your project, assess your Aintree property's planning situation, and give you a clear picture of what is achievable. No fee.
Brief and feasibility. We assess your goals against the site and planning controls. This happens before design begins.
Concept design. Floor plans, external appearance, and how the project works on the block. You direct revisions.
Planning permit (where required). We prepare, submit, and manage the application through to decision.
Building permit documentation. Full working drawings for permit submission and builder pricing.
Approved drawings. A complete set any registered builder can price from and build to.

RD Building Design serves homeowners across Melbourne's western suburbs and beyond.

Building design questions for Aintree homeowners

Do I need planning approval to renovate in Aintree?

Many renovations and extensions can proceed on a building permit alone under ResCode. Properties with heritage overlays or in special planning areas will generally need planning approval. RD Building Design determines this at the first consultation.

How long do permits take through Melton?

A building permit is typically assessed in about 10-20 business days. Planning permits through Melton generally take around 10-60 days. We set realistic expectations at the start of your project.

Can my Aintree property support a granny flat?

Most NRZ and GRZ properties can add a secondary dwelling up to 60sqm without planning approval since Victoria's 2023 changes. The key constraints are site coverage, setbacks, and open space. RD Building Design confirms what your block allows.

What about adding a second level to my Aintree home?

Second storey additions are viable on most properties, subject to structural capacity and planning requirements for overlooking, overshadowing, and neighbourhood character. We assess all of this at concept stage.

Should I renovate or knockdown rebuild in Aintree?

It depends on the condition of the existing house and the cost-benefit of renovation versus starting fresh. For non-heritage properties, knockdown rebuild is usually an option. RD Building Design can advise on which path suits your situation.

Where do I start if I want to build on my Aintree property?

Start with a property assessment. RD Building Design reviews your block against the Melton Planning Scheme and provides a clear written summary of what you can build, including extensions, <a href="/backyard-buildings/granny-flats/">granny flats</a>, and dual occupancy potential.

Start with a conversation

A free consultation with RD Building Design covers your Aintree property, your project goals, and a straightforward assessment of what the site allows. No commitment required.

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