Why have Design Guidelines been adopted at Eldonwood?  
  While there are a range of objectives of an aesthetic, social, financial and environmental nature, the overriding intention is to ensure harmonious architecture that complements the underlying theme of a rural hamlet is adopted at Eldonwood while also providing certainty of outcome in respect of the quality of overall development.  
  Why do we need Design Guidelines when we have the District Plan?  
 

A District Plan does not address specific design characteristics and does not attempt to provide a framework for the implementation of the aesthetic, environmental and social benefits offered by the adoption of Design Guidelines.

 
  What is the function of the Design Review Panel?  
 

The “DRP” will review every site development/building/landscaping proposal at Eldonwood to ensure the design characteristics support the Founding Vision, embrace the Core Values and comply with the specific criteria of the Design Guidelines.
N.B. All Development Works to be carried out at Eldonwood are required to have received signed approval from the DRP prior to an application being lodged with Matamata Piako District Council for a building consent (if applicable) or any site/construction works commencing.

  
  What governs the size of my house and where I can build on my section?  
 

There are rules of Bulk & Location which specify such things as the height in relation to boundary, maximum site coverage and minimum yard requirements. These rules are set out in Appendices 2, 3 & 4 of the Design Guidelines. The Yard Controls Plan defines the potential Building Platform for your site.
N.B. The DRP will also consider whether the proposed orientation of any buildings will have a dominating impact on the Lot or, neighbouring residences.

  
  Is there a minimum size or monetary value for the dwelling I intend to build?  
  No, there are no restrictions in this regard; however there are controls in respect of the type and quality of building materials that may be used.  
  What is the purpose of the diagrams in the Design Guidelines?  
  They serve to explain by way of example the type of design detailing (form and use of materials) that is acceptable at Eldonwood. The imagery used is only indicative of the architecture that will “fit” at Eldonwood. A diverse range of architectural solutions that reflect characteristics of the NZ rural vernacular are anticipated.  
  Do I have to engage a Registered Architect to design my home?  
  No, but a suitably experienced architectural design professional is required to design every dwelling at Eldonwood.
Homes are expected to have a “country feel,” blend harmoniously with the natural environment and be built using quality building materials.		  
  How do I know if my design preferences will be acceptable?  
 

Lot owners are encouraged to contact the Founding Member (Eldonwood Ltd) to discuss their ideas prior to commissioning formal design drawings or alternatively to send in a copy of preliminary concept sketches or plans for review and feedback.

  
  How do I know what building materials I can use?  
 

The Design Guidelines include details of the types of building materials that are recommended for Eldonwood. There is also a list available of “Prohibited Building Materials and Methods.”
A copy of the current Prohibited Building Materials List is supplied in the “Purchasers’ Supplementary Information Pack”.

  
  Are there guidelines in respect of the colour schemes that are considered acceptable at Eldonwood?  
 

Yes, the intention is to create a harmonious visual appearance through the use of earth tones and natural hues for the colour finishes of all exterior surfaces.

 
  Do the guidelines apply to accessory buildings and site works?  
  Yes, specific rules apply to all buildings as well as site works and landscaping.
All accessory buildings are required to be complementary to the main dwelling in respect of design, materials and colour finishes.		  
  Can I build a garage in my front yard?  
  Yes, but set backs apply and garage doors are encouraged to face a side boundary rather than toward the road. Garages under certain circumstances may be built adjoining the road front boundary but only in the Entry-residential and Cluster Precincts.  
  What is the Precinct Plan?  
  A plan to define the four differing land use classifications (zonings) found at Eldonwood. (i.e. Entry-residential Lots, Cluster Lots, Rural-residential Lots and Rural Blocks.)  
  Are there specific rules governing the siting of pools and sports courts?  
  Yes, the placement of pools and courts is to be carefully considered so that they do not create an unreasonable intrusion upon the privacy and rights of adjoining property owners. A buffer planting zone to provide a visual and auditory screen is also required.  
  Are there specific fencing regulations?  
  Yes, there is a range of fencing rules that vary according to the zoning of the property. In general, boundary fencing must be of post and rail construction however exceptions apply in the Entry-residential and Cluster precincts. Solid timber paling fences are not permitted at Eldonwood under any circumstances.  
  Why do I need a Landscape plan?  
  So the DRP can make sure that the species to be planted are compatible with the landscaping being provided for Eldonwood and the planted environment you create is harmonious and contiguous with the overall vision for Eldonwood.
A specification for the common area plantings and a prohibited plant species list is included in the Purchaser’s Supplementary Information Pack.		  
  How much will it cost me to have my plans approved by the DRP?  
  Stage 1 Review of documentation and optional pre-design meeting – No charge
Stage 2 Preliminary Design Review - $400 + GST
Stage 3 Finished Design Review - $800 + GST
The Founding Member reserves the right to amend the fee structure or charge additional fees in the event an application is declined and the plans/specifications are returned to the applicant for amendment.		  
  When can I apply to MPDC for a building consent?  
  After your Finished Design Application has been approved by the DRP.  
  Can I subdivide my property?  
  No, the initial 75 Lots at Eldonwood may not be further subdivided.
The intention is to preserve the open rural character of the Estate.		  
  Can I build a second dwelling on my Property?  
  Yes, a Dependant Persons Unit of up to 80m2 is permitted on every Lot, subject to compliance with the rules of Bulk and Location.  
  Why is there a need for each lot to have a water tank for the collection of stormwater?  
  This is a requirement of the stormwater management plan included in the MPDC resource consent for Eldonwood and it is also a sustainability feature. The re-use of roof collected rainwater for garden hosing/irrigation, flushing of toilets and other activities that do not require potable water is encouraged. There is an additional requirement for every Lot to have its own on-site soak holes for the discharge of excess stormwater to ground.  
  Is there provision to apply for a variation to the Design Guidelines?  
  Yes, it is permitted to request variations in respect of matters of design, materials and colour schemes. Consent will only be granted however where the DRP considers the proposed variation complies with the intent of the Design Guidelines and offers a solution that improves upon the prescribed outcomes. There is no provision for variation to the rules of Bulk and Location.  
  How long will it take the DRP to review my plans?  
  Up to 15 working days for both stages 2 and 3, provided all the necessary documentation is submitted with the application.  
  Who will review my plans?  
  The DRP consists of a panel of suitably qualified professionals appointed initially by the Founding Member and subsequently by the Board of the Eldonwood Residents’ Association.  
  Is there a time limit on the commencement of construction?  
  No, there is no requirement to build on a Lot however vacant sections must be maintained in a neat and tidy condition. Once construction of the main dwelling has commenced the exterior of the building must be completed within 18 months and landscaping of front yards is to be completed within 6 months of the Code of Compliance Certificate being issued.  
  How do I apply for Design Approval?  
  Follow the procedures set out in clause 6.3 of the Design Guidelines, complete the Eldonwood Design Review Application Form included in the Purchasers’ Supplementary Information Pack and enclose a cheque for the appropriate fee and send this information to the address specified in the Application Form.