Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting of blocks is strictly prohibited during construction. Upon registration of titles for your stage, you may contact the Estate Manager on [email protected] to request a time to inspect your lot prior to settlement.

Are there special treatments for corner lots?

Yes.  The side street elevation must include sufficient detailing which matches and complements the design of the front elevation.  A corner ‘feature’ must be included to the portion of the elevation that will be visible and unfenced.  A habitable room with a clear view to the side street should be included as part of the corner feature.

Fencing to the side street boundary for corner lots must stop at least 3m behind the front façade and behind the corner feature.

For more details, please refer to the Olivia Design Guidelines.

How do I design a house for an irregular lot?

Not every lot is rectangular.  Irregular lots can be a great opportunity to consider home designs and backyard embellishments you might not have previously thought about.

Typically, an irregular lot offers more outdoor space – you could expand your alfresco, put in a pool, a cubby house for the kids, a veggie patch or a cosy fire pit to toast marshmallows over on those wintery nights.

Remember any additional structures will need Council approval and must comply with the Olivia Design Guidelines.

When can I start building?

You can start building after settlement as soon as your house plans have been approved by Olivia’s Design Review Panel and you have the relevant Council and building permits.  Construction of your dwelling must be completed within 24 months from the date of settlement.  A Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained from the Building Surveyor prior to occupancy.

What should be included in my house plans?

Review the Olivia Design Guidelines and provide them to your architect or builder.

What is the process to getting my house plans approved?

Usually, your builder will manage this process on your behalf. They are required to submit plans and associated documents to the Design Review Panel (DRP) for approval.

How do I submit my house plans?

Plans are to be submitted to the Design Review Panel at: [email protected].

Design Guidelines including the application form and checklists can be found on our website.

Can I submit my house plans prior to settlement and before formally engaging a builder?

Yes, you can submit your plans to the DRP prior to settlement as construction cannot commence until your plans are approved. 

The DRP will aim to provide compliance within 14 days, subject to the correct information being provided and the volume of applications being received at the time.

For any other queries relating to the design guidelines and approvals process please contact [email protected].

What happens if my house plans aren’t approved by the Design Review Panel?

If the design is deemed non-compliant, advice on how to achieve compliance will be provided to the applicant or designated representative.

What if I want to change the design after my plans have been approved?

If you change your design, it is important that your new plans are resubmitted and approved by the DRP before you start building.

If your completed dwelling differs from your approved plans, the DRP will issue you with a non-compliance notice. If the non-compliance is not rectified the matter may be subject to further legal action and Council enforcement.  We strongly encourage you to ensure your building is constructed as per your approved plans as rectification works may be very costly.

When do I get my street number?

Street numbers will be provided prior to settlement through formal communications from Marantali to your conveyancer.

What are the fencing requirements?

Installation of fencing is the responsibility of the landowner and is essential for security and distinguishing each property boundary.  A consistent design approach will increase the presentation of the estate.

Boundary fencing must be constructed from timber palings with capping and exposed posts to a height of 1.8-1.95m, tapering to 1.2m in height along the side boundaries in the front yard (excluding corner boundaries).

For corner lots, fencing to the side street boundary must stop at least 3.0m behind the front façade and behind the corner feature.

Front fencing of any type is not permitted.

Please see the Design Guidelines for complete fencing design requirements.

Will my neighbours pay half of the cost of the fencing?  What about corner blocks – how are the fencing costs divided in this case?

You and your neighbour have equal cost responsibility for the shared fence on your lots.  You can obtain contact details for adjacent landowners using the Fencing Request Form on the Melton City Council website.

Corner lot owners are solely responsible for the cost of the fence along the road.  Shared fencing costs only apply to common boundary fencing.

Are my fencing costs shared if my fence shares a boundary with land owned by Olivia Estate?

Pursuant to your contract of sale, you will have to pay the full cost of any fencing that shares a boundary with land owned by Olivia and costs will not be recoverable.

Do I need temporary fencing to protect my lot prior to building commencing?

Yes.  If you haven’t engaged a builder, it is recommended that you organise temporary fencing for your lot to reduce the risk of having material illegally dumped on your property.  Removal of any dumped materials is at your own expense.

If you have engaged a builder, your builder will erect temporary fencing to deter unauthorised people entering the building site prior to building works commencing.

Please see the Melton City Council website for more information on building sites.