I'm trying to change my front ns track control arm ,I've previuosly changed the o.s no problem but I can see that on the N.S the front bolt is not going be able to be removed as there is not enough clearance before it will hit the DSG gearbox.

I thought about changing just the rear consol bush but there also does not seem enough clearance.

will the nearside sub frame have to be lowered or the DSG gearbox raised, or am I missing a trick?

The car is a 06 plate 2.0l tdi octavia.

You mean the lower control arm?

 

Either drop the subframe or take off the pendulum/dogbone mount and swing the motor.

 

The console bush is easy.  Just undo the 3 bolts - the LCA can be pulled downwards & the console housing slides off - sometimes it's a bit stuck & needs some persuasion with a hammer & soft faced helper (block of timber, etc)

Brad are you saying i can undo the three console bush bolts then lever down the tca WITH THE FRONT BOLT STILL DONE UP, and replace the console bush/ carrier. I bought the complete tca as when I changed the o.s it was easy to change as all  bolts were easy to remove.If it is DEFINITY possible I will change just the rear console bush.

Yep, that's how it's done.  You shouldn't even have to loosen the front bolt or the ball joint bolts