Residential building design project Melton South, Melbourne western suburbs

Registered building designer for Melton South and surrounds

Extensions, granny flats, dual occupancy, and new homes. RD Building Design manages design and permits across Melton.

RD Building Design is a registered building design practice covering Melton South and Melbourne's wider western suburbs. We manage residential projects from the first conversation through to approved building permit drawings.

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About RD Building Design

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

RD Building Design is a registered building design practice specialising in residential projects across Melbourne's western suburbs. Our work covers Melton and the surrounding councils.

Every project is led by an experienced building designer from first conversation to permit approval.

For Melton South homeowners: straightforward advice, honest timelines, and permit drawings done properly the first time.

Want to understand the difference between working with a building designer and an architect?

Dual occupancy design in Melton South

Dual occupancy is realistic for Melton South homeowners with blocks in the right zone and of sufficient size. A two-lot subdivision typically requires a design meeting ResCode requirements, adequate frontage, and landscaping considerations.

The planning process is more involved than for extensions or granny flats, but the outcome, two separately titled properties, is substantially different financially.

RD Building Design carries out dual occupancy feasibility assessments at initial consultation. We review block size, zoning, and planning provisions before any design work, so you know whether the project is viable before committing.

knockdown rebuild design for Melton South properties

A knockdown rebuild replaces the existing dwelling with a home designed specifically for the site. No inherited floor plan compromises, no structural limitations from the original building, improved thermal comfort.

The new design works within the Melton Planning Scheme to use the full allowable site capacity, oriented for the way your household actually lives.

RD Building Design manages the process from feasibility confirmation through to approved building permit drawings.

Design with a return in mind

In Melton South, many building projects are driven by investment logic: rental yield, subdivision value, or positioning for resale.

RD Building Design works with this brief regularly. Dual occupancy projects are designed for maximum yield per dwelling. Granny flat designs deliver a self-contained rental dwelling from the outset.

Our permit documentation is clear and complete, which helps builders price accurately and reduces construction contingencies.

What you can build in Melton South

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.

Planning overlays

Flood overlay

LSIO applies to areas near Toolern Creek. Properties near the creek corridor require site-specific flood assessment.

Typical lot size

Medium to large (typically 500-800sqm+)

More design flexibility. Site coverage is rarely the binding constraint, allowing larger secondary dwellings and more generous setbacks.

Granny flat viability

Permitted up to 60sqm without a planning permit under Victoria's 2023 provisions. Most blocks have sufficient site coverage capacity for a well-sized secondary dwelling.

Dual occupancy

Viable on many lots

GRZ or RGZ zoning on a significant proportion of properties. Lots meeting the minimum 300sqm-per-title threshold are common. Planning permit required.

Location

37km from Melbourne CBD. Nearest station: Melton.

This summary reflects general planning conditions for Melton South 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 Melton South

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

The design and permit process

Every RD Building Design project follows a clear sequence.

Free consultation. We review your Melton South property, discuss your goals, and confirm what permits are needed.
Feasibility. Your brief assessed against the site and the planning controls before any design work starts.
Concept design. Floor plans and elevations showing how the project sits on the block. Revisions are directed by you.
Planning permit (if required). Prepared, lodged, and managed through council assessment.
Building permit drawings. Complete documentation for permit and builder pricing.
Handover. Approved drawings ready for your builder.

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

Building design questions for Melton South homeowners

Do I need a planning permit to extend my house in Melton South?

It depends on the work and your property's planning overlays. Many extensions can proceed directly to building permit under ResCode. Properties in heritage overlays or special planning areas usually require planning approval. RD Building Design assesses this at initial consultation.

How long does a building permit take in Melton South?

A building permit application is typically assessed in 10-20 business days. Where a planning permit is required first, Melton assessment typically takes 10-60 days. RD Building Design advises on realistic timelines at the start of every project.

Can I build a granny flat on my Melton South property?

Most residential lots zoned NRZ or GRZ can accommodate a secondary dwelling up to 60sqm without a planning permit under Victoria's 2023 provisions, subject to site coverage, setback, and open space requirements. RD Building Design confirms feasibility as part of an initial assessment.

Is dual occupancy viable on my Melton South block?

It depends on your lot size, zoning, and frontage. RD Building Design carries out dual occupancy feasibility assessments at initial consultation.

Can I do a knockdown rebuild in Melton South?

If your property is not heritage-listed, a knockdown rebuild is usually viable. The replacement dwelling must comply with the Melton Planning Scheme for setbacks, site coverage, and neighbourhood character. RD Building Design confirms what the site allows before design begins.

How do I find out what I can build on my property in Melton South?

RD Building Design offers a property assessment that reviews your block against the Melton Planning Scheme and gives you a written summary of what is buildable: extension capacity, granny flat viability, dual occupancy potential, and any constraints.

Start with a conversation

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

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