FAQ | Ashbury Estate

FAQs

  1. Who is the developer? The development of Ashbury is being managed by the Dennis Family Corporation through DFC (Ashbury) Pty Ltd on behalf of the Landowners.
  2. What does Ashbury mean? Ashbury is the trade mark by which the development is known and marketed.
  3. How small is the smallest block and how large will the blocks be? The smallest blocks are 220m2 and the largest blocks are more than 850m2.
  4. Are there design guidelines? Yes, Ashbury Design Guidelines are in place to optimise the amenity of the Estate.  They are user-friendly and operate for the collective benefit of lot owners.  A copy may be obtained from our land sales office or from the Ashbury Website at: http://ashburyestate.com.au/.
  5. What builders can I build with? You can build with any registered builder of your choice, provided that the house meets the Ashbury Design Guidelines as well as other relevant planning and statutory requirements.
  6. Can I be an owner builder? You can be an owner builder, provided that both you and the house meet the Ashbury Design Guidelines as well as other relevant planning and statutory requirements.  You will need to commence construction of the house within 12 months of settlement and the house must be complete within 24 months of settlement.
  7. Can I subdivide a block? No further subdivision of the lots available for purchase is possible.  This requirement is specified as a restriction on the plan of subdivision on title of all blocks on Ashbury.  However, the restriction, as is common on many Estates, ceases after 10 years.  After that date, any further subdivision would require Council approval through the normal planning processes.
  8. Can I build a federation style home? Yes, provided the Ashbury Design Guidelines are met, for example by providing a mix of textures and a dressed façade.  This style of house, however, generally is not permitted on a small number of lots designated as landmark lots on the plan of subdivision.
  9. Do I require Design Panel approval for my house? Yes.  All house plans must be submitted for approval to the Ashbury Design Panel prior to a building permit being sought.
  10. What is the land release process? The land release process is unique to each given Stage being released, please speak to the Sales Team to obtain the specific release terms and conditions.
  11. Can I provide a deposit bond or bank guarantee to secure my deposit? No, payment must be made in full by direct transfer.
  12. How long until I have to build? House construction must commence within 12 months of your land settlement and must be completed within 24 months of the land settlement.
  13. What facilities will be in Ashbury? There are a broad range of facilities proposed, refer to the Masterplan.  A total of 30 hectares of land has been set aside as open space and conservation areas throughout the Estate, including 16.5 hectares of land for tree retention, conservation and growth.
    There is over 8.6 hectares of land devoted to cricket and football ovals, including cricket practice nets, a lawn bowls green and netball courts.  There will also be playgrounds and two ‘pocket parks’ throughout the estate.
    More than 18 kms of shared walking and cycling paths provide family-friendly activity and on-road cycling.  Best of all, this extensive network of paths all connect up with the greater Armstrong Creek Precinct.
    Other proposed facilities include:
    •    A future State Government Primary School as well as a community and local retail centre adjacent to the school.
    •    A large southern park featuring a shelter, BBQ and picnic area.
    •    Wetlands to treat and clean stormwater before it is discharged into the waterways.
    There are also a range of existing facilities already available nearby and a broad array of new facilities planned as part of the Armstrong Creek Growth Area.
  14. Is there going to be shops or schools? Yes:
    •    A State Government Primary School, is proposed to be built by the Victorian Government in future stages south of the active open space area.
    •    A new local town centre is proposed near the active open space site on Horseshoe Bend Road.  Planning for the local retail centre includes provision for a number of shops, offices, cafe and other services.
  15. What public transport is available? The Marshall Train Station is located on the Port Fairy Line within 4km of the Ashbury community.  This connects passengers to Geelong and Melbourne as part of the new high speed Regional Rail Link.
  16. How long will it take for the Estate to be developed (1,400+ lots)? The Estate will be developed consistent with market demand over a number of years.  On the basis that there are no unforseen delays and subject to market demand, it is expected that it will take between 5 and 10 years for Ashbury to be fully developed.
  17. What postcode and Suburb is Ashbury? Ashbury falls into the suburb of Armstrong Creek in Postcode 3217.
  18. What Council does Ashbury fall into? Greater Geelong City Council.
  19. Will Ashbury have OptiComm national broadband fibre available? Yes. Ashbury is an OptiComm estate and this service provides fibre to the home.
  20. Will Ashbury be BAL rated? Generally yes. The rating will be ascertained by your building surveyor.
  21. What are the soils like at Ashbury for home building? The soils are typical for the area.  You should consult with your builder who can arrange for soil tests prior to construction.
  22. Will my lot have fill on it?  Detailed engineering design plans will be lodged with Council for approval.  The draft plans are available from our sales centre for lots you are considering purchasing.  The final plans approved by Council will also be available in due course.  The plans show the proposed areas of fill and its depth on each lot.
    All filling work shall be undertaken in accordance with AS 3798 “Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments”; where filling greater than 200mm compacted depth is introduced onto site, control of filling shall be to level 1 as described in AS 3798.  The civil contractor will provide this report for your builder when these works are fully complete.  All areas that are to involve earthworks shall have the topsoil stripped, stockpiled and reinstated with a minimum 100mm depth.
  23. Can I erect a satellite dish on my roof or a large aerial for overseas television reception? Generally yes, provided it is approved by the Ashbury Design Panel under the Ashbury Design Guidelines.  The dish will need to be located so that it cannot be seen from a public street or park.  The size, location, colour and design of the dish should be such that it will not unreasonably impact on the amenity of your neighbours.  You can provide draft plans for our comment at any stage and we can provide an opinion as to whether your dish is likely to be approved.
  24. Can I park my truck or caravan outside my house? We discourage long term parking of commercial vehicles out the front of dwellings, however, provided you are parking the truck legally and in accordance with Council requirements you are able to do so.  A caravan cannot be occupied on the land, must not be parked in your front yard and cannot be visible from the street.
  25. Can I build a car port? No, you must build a garage.  However you can build a single garage provided the design meets the requirements of the Ashbury Design Guidelines.
  26. What are the requirements regarding purple pipe recycled water and water tanks? Barwon Water requires the installation of purple pipe for garden watering and toilet flushing in the Estate.  You are required to plumb your home for use of recycled water for toilet flushing in accordance with the plumbing industry commission requirements.  Your builder will be able to explain the requirements to you.  Water tanks are not mandatory and if water tanks are provided they must not be connected to the toilet, and must be used for garden watering. The Victorian Building Regulations require either a water tank or a solar hot water service to be installed at the purchaser’s option and cost, you should confirm these requirements with your builder.
  27. What are the opening hours of sales office? The land sales office is open 11am to 5pm, 7 days per week.
  28. Can I have a colorbond fence? No. Timber fencing requirements are specified in the Ashbury Design Guidelines.  Unless specified otherwise, fencing must be timber, with expressed posts and capping and its height must not exceed 1.90m.
  29. Can I build a front fence? Front fencing is not permitted for some lots and is generally discouraged.  However front fencing can be permitted provided the Ashbury Design Guidelines are met and the fence design is approved by the Ashbury Design Panel.  Where permitted, front fences must not exceed 1.2 metres in height, must be made of timber or brick / masonry and the colour and design must generally complement the front façade of the house.
  30. Will the Estate have traffic lights? Yes there are plans for 5 new sets of traffic lights around the Estate.  This includes lights at the following intersections:
    •    Future Ashbury Boulevard and Boundary Road.
    •    Boundary Road and Horseshoe Bend Road.
    •    Horseshoe Bend Road and the Future Primary School Access Road.
    •    Horseshoe Bend Road and Burvilles Road.
    •    Future Ashbury Boulevard and Burvilles Road.
    In addition, there are now traffic signals at the intersection of Surf Coast Highway and Boundary Road as part of the first few stages of the development.
    These road works are all funded by developer levies and / or the Developer and will be progressively implemented as funding accrues, development proceeds and Council determines its priorities.
  31. When will construction on the town centre commence – can I purchase a shop? We are undertaking more planning around the town centre and we will be able to provide more detailed information in the future.
  32. Can I have a triple garage? Yes, provided the Ashbury Design Guidelines are met and your house design is approved by the Ashbury Design Panel.  The Guidelines set minimum standards for the provision of triple garages.
  33. Can I get a second vehicle crossing installed? You should contact Council regarding this.  If Council agrees to a second crossing you will need to obtain formal Council consent and meet all Council requirements and costs.
  34. Are there any restrictions regarding pet ownership at Ashbury? The Developer does not have any special controls over pets.  You are advised to contact Council regarding requirements in relation to keeping pets.  Council may have its own regulations, for example in relation to keeping chickens or the number of pets.
  35. Do I have to install a front garden? Yes. The Ashbury Design Guidelines require purchasers to install a front garden to a specified standard.  The garden must be installed within 4 months of the issue of the occupancy certificate of your dwelling, except if your home is completed in summer in which case a longer period applies. Your sales consultant will be able to provide the details for you.  There are no rebates available and the garden will need to be installed at the lot owner’s expense.
  36. Will the Southern Reserve playground equipment be similar to the imagery? What is the size of the park?  Will this be the only playground in Ashbury and will other reserves only have seating and planting?  Generally, the imagery does reflect the proposed park plans and are reflective of the current design intent for the reserve.  The park design is currently in the final stages of detailed construction design by the Landscape Architect.  The final design is subject to Council approval and this has not yet been received.  The final park plans will be available for viewing when they are approved by Council.
    The Southern Reserve is 2.7 hectares in size and adjoins the 8.6 hectare Active Open Space.
    While the other reserves will not include a formalised playground, they will provide opportunities for informal active play including small grassed kick-a-bout areas.  The Active Open Space will include a fitness circuit with fitness equipment to be provided along its length.
  37. Proposed community centre - What sort of mixed use will this be? What is the time line for construction?  The Council is planning for a new community facility on Ashbury.  The details of the facility (including its location and amenities) are yet to be determined.  The timing for the construction of the facility will be dependent on various factors, including the rate of new housing development on Ashbury and in surrounding estates.  Council will determine the priority and construction program for the proposed facility.