Overall Development

Q1 What are the major components of Cotswold Downs?
A1 A1 Cotswold Downs is a 242 hectare residential golf estate with 621 freehold sites for individual homes, 7 sites for simplex and duplex developments, a lodge site, a championship golf course and an impressive Lifestyle Centre. It also offers a 59 hectare equestrian estate, Cotswold Fenns, with 131 freehold sites for individual homes, which also falls under the Cotswold Downs Home Owners Association. There are three phases to the development: Phases 1 & 2 being the golf estate and Phase 3 being the equestrian component.

Q2 What sets the design of Cotswold Downs apart from other golf course estates?
A2 A2 Cotswold Downs is an extremely low density estate with less than 3 units per ha. Of the 302 ha, 200 ha remains undeveloped. The architectural code is also unique and the golf course is world-class.

Q3 The Hillcrest area is growing rapidly with many new developments. How will the extra traffic be accommodated, particularly along Inanda Road, and how will improvements be financed?
A3 A3 Cotswold Downs, like other developments in the area, has entered into an agreement with the eThekwini Municipality whereby for every unit built, the developer will contribute R10 000 towards the upgrading of roads. According to the eThekwini Municipality upgrading of roads in the area is to commence during 2007.

Q4 Who is the developer?
A4 A4 The developer is the Cotswold Downs Development Company (Pty) Ltd.
The executive directors who will be responsible for the development of the project are:
Keith Wakefield, CEO and major shareholder of Wakefields, KwaZulu-Natal’s largest estate agents and one of the largest privately owned property companies in South Africa.
Nico van Rooyen, Director and shareholder of Global Property Investments, a major property development company which has been involved in projects totaling R2 billion to date. The company specialises in upmarket residential developments including a number at Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate (R40 million) and Zimbali Coastal Resort (R50 million).

Q5 What financial backing does the development company have?
A5 A5 The entire development is bond free. A predetermined number of sales options were concluded to ensure the demand and success of the development. The sales options were well received by investors and were oversubscribed.

The Lifestyle Centre

Q6 I understand a Lifestyle Centre is to be built at Cotswold Downs. What will the Centre comprise?
A6 In addition to normal golf clubhouse facilities the Lifestyle Centre will contain:

• Tennis courts
• Squash courts
• Walking and jogging trails
• A sporting centre, where residents will be able to purchase sporting equipment
• A wellness centre, where an extensive range of treatments, including holistic options and a spa, will be available from professional therapists
• Gym
• Restaurant and pub
• Lounges and conference facilities
• Changing room facilities

The clubhouse on site at present is a temporary facility, which will be used until the Lifestyle Centre is constructed. The temporary clubhouse will be sold as a home once the Lifestyle Centre is complete.

Q7Who will manage the Lifestyle Centre?
A7 A professional management team will be put in place to manage the Centre, however, where appropriate, some of the services may be outsourced.

Q8 Is it compulsory for all owners to become members of the Lifestyle Centre?
A8 Yes.

Q9 What membership structures will be available for non-golfers?
A9 Members will be able to utilise all amenities in the Lifestyle Centre. However some, such as the use of the golf course, will require additional usage charges.

Q10 Are equestrian trails planned for the Estate?
A10 Horses will be stabled at Cotswold Fenns. No horses will be allowed onto Cotswold Downs or onto the golf course.

The Golf Course

Q11 What standard of golf course has been designed?
A11 The golf course has been built to USGA championship standards and is designed to be playable and enjoyable for golfers of all handicap levels. The golf course architect, Peter Matkovitch, is the mastermind behind top golf courses including Arabella, Leopard Rock, Pinnacle Point and Princes Grant to name just a few! The course is the biggest budget golf course built in KZN to date.

Q12 When will the golf course construction commence and when will it be playable?
A12 Construction began in November 2004 and the golf course opened for play in November 2006.

Q13 Who owns the golf course?
A13 The golf course is owned by the Cotswold Downs Development Company.

Q14 Who will manage the maintenance of the golf course, and will the developer cover expenses with regard to the golf course?
A14 A 5 year maintenance contract has been entered into with the golf course architect to ensure that the standard of the golf course during its construction and after completion is maintained. The value of the property is influenced by the quality of the golf course and thus it is critical that it be properly maintained at all times.

Q15 What guarantees are there that unforeseen costs in the maintenance of the golf course will not have to be borne by homeowners?
A15 The golf course is fully insured against unforeseen natural disasters.

The Lodge

Q16 I understand a lodge is to be built at Cotswold Downs. What will it comprise of and when will it be built?
A16 A site has been set aside for a lodge adjoining the Lifestyle Centre. Detailed plans for the lodge will be drawn up at a later stage and building plans will be implemented when there is sufficient demand.

Control and Ownership Structures at Cotswold Downs

Q17 Under which municipal jurisdiction does Cotswold Downs fall?
A17 The eThekwini Municipality.

Q18 How will the individual ownership of land and/or units at Cotswold Downs be registered?
A18 Individual plots will be registered by way of freehold title and simplexes/duplexes by way of sectional title.

Q19 Who will manage the estate on behalf of individual home owners?
A19 The Cotswold Downs Home Owners Association will be formed.

Architectural and Building Guidelines

Q20 What is the architectural theme for Cotswold Downs?
A20 The architectural style for the development is “Cotswold”, details of which are available in the architectural design manual, available from the sales office and on this website. Variations of the Cotswold style will be permitted – a strictly imposed style is not the intention, but the relevant architectural guidelines will have to be adhered to.

Q21 How are building activities controlled?
A21 In addition to the statutory building plan submission and inspection procedures required by the Municipality, the Cotswold Downs Homeowners Association requires all owners to submit building plans to its Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee for approval prior to submission to the Municipality, the ultimate regulatory authority for building plan approval.

Q22 Do I need to get permission from the Cotswold Downs Homeowners Association to extend or alter my home?
A22 Alterations which do not affect the external elevations of the building require no consent, but all external alterations, extensions or modifications require consent from the Homeowners Association. However, all alterations, whether internal or external, require the approval of the Municipality.

Q23 Can a purchaser use their own choice of builder to construct their house?
A23 Yes, provided that the builder has met the criteria of the Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee. The Committee will also have a list of recommended builders.

Q24 Is there a time related building clause for buildings at Cotswold Downs?
A24 To ensure the minimum period of disturbance, all building construction must be completed within three years from date of transfer.

Q25 Will I be permitted to build a swimming pool on my site?
A25 A swimming pool is permitted provided it is constructed within your site boundaries and meets architectural guidelines.

Q26 Will I be permitted to fence my site and is there a restriction on the style of fencing?
A26 Yes, you will be permitted to fence your site, provided the architectural guidelines are met with regard to materials and design.

Q27 How many villages will there be?
A27 There will be 9 villages, all named after villages in the English Cotswolds.

Security Access and Route Controls

Q28 What is the FAR at Cotswold Downs?
A28 The FAR is 0.5 which means the biggest home allowed is half the size of the land, e.g. 1000 m2 site = 500 m2 home

Security

Q29 What form of security and access control will be provided?
A29 Electrified fencing and security walling with underdig barriers will encircle the entire estate and the total perimeter will be monitored by a combination of surveillance technology, all linked to a central control room. Vehicular access will be through security entrances manned 24 hours a day. There will also be patrols constantly observing the perimeter and the inner environs, and, in accordance with improvements in technology, security systems will be upgraded on a continual basis. The intention is to have a single security firm for the entire area including surrounding developments, which will promote quick response. Although the security at the Cotswold Downs Estate will be very advanced, the ultimate goal is to make it as unobtrusive as possible.

Conservation Issues

Q30 How will the natural environment be conserved at Cotswold Downs?
A30 A thorough investigation has been performed by a leading environmentalist and from that, a unique network of natural and recreational open spaces has been designed into the layout of the estate. This greenway system includes functional forest, grassland, wetland and river habitats, which will provide homeowners with magnificent views and a special opportunity to live close to nature. A variety of walking trails will allow homeowners to safely enjoy these habitats on their doorsteps. This system will also provide sustainable nature-based storm water and wastewater treatment and disposal services, ensuring that the local and regional environment is minimally impacted. 15 000 indigenous trees have been planted on the golf course alone.

Q31 How will sewerage effluent be treated at Cotswold Downs?
A31 A new private sewerage plant, approved by the Municipality, has been constructed in Fischer Road to service a number of developments in the area. Wastewater will be treated and purified to a level suitable for re-circulation and irrigation of the golf course and common areas throughout the development.

Q32 When will the construction of the new sewerage plant be completed?
A32 Phase one of the sewerage plant was completed in July 2005. The remaining phases will be constructed on demand.

Q33 Can I build anywhere on my site?
A33 Sites will have coverage of 35%. The Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee will ensure that houses are positioned in such a way as to not obstruct views. On some sites only single-storey houses will be permitted.

Financial Issues

Q34 Are mortgage bonds available for South African and foreign investors?
A34 Once sites are proclaimed, mortgage bonds will be available for South African citizens as well as foreign investors, provided they meet the lending requirements of financial institutions.

Q35 What will the rates for Cotswold Downs be and will they be in line with similar developments in the Durban area?
A35 Rates will be in line with other developments in the Outer West area.

Q36 What services are included in the Homeowners Association levy?
A36 Levies are payable to the Cotswold Downs Homeowners Association from the time of registration of transfer and include the following:

• Safety and security
• Administration
• Maintenance of the conservation area and all common property
• Internal road and footpath maintenance and general upkeep
• Street lighting
• DSTV signal
• 24 hour internet connection

Q37 What membership and other fees are payable?
A37 Currently, non-refundable fees totalling R30 000 are payable at the time of transfer. R5 000 of this is for the levy stabilisation fund and R25 000 for entrance membership of the Lifestyle Centre. One entrance fee per house is required. Monthly membership will be R665 and includes full membership for the family until the children turn 21. The monthly membership fee will be half that until the main Lifestyle Centre is built.

Q38 Are there any insurance benefits to living on the estate?
A38 Insurance cover on your building is roughly 0.045% of 1% of the value of your home if you live on the estate versus 0.4% of 1% on a normal home – a mere 10% of what you would be paying for a home outside the estate. This includes cover against subsidence and landslides.

Housekeeping Rules

Q39 Will pets be allowed at Cotswold Downs?
A39 Dogs will be allowed onto the estate, however there are strict rules regarding dogs on common property. No cats will be permitted.

Q40 Am I permitted to allow my housekeeping staff to live on my premises?
A40 Yes, provided that the staff quarters form an integral part of the house design and meet the architectural guidelines.

Q41 I am a keen gardener. Will I be allowed to develop my own garden?
A41 Yes, provided the landscaping guidelines are adhered to. The planting of indigenous species is strongly encouraged although a limited number of exotic and non-invasive plants and shrubs will be permitted provided they are restricted to your site and are not of sufficient concentration to dominate or alter the natural character of the area.

Q42 What kind of landscaping is planned for Cotswold Downs?
A42 The design philosophy at the Cotswold Downs Estate is to create a landscape character based on the Cotswolds in England using a South African indigenous plant palette. Romantic villages with houses clustered around squares, village greens and courtyards; informal tree boulevards; and dry stacked rock and wood rail fences are just some of the key characteristics that will be used to underline the Cotswold feel. In order to create this ‘feel’ dense planting will screen boundaries and other facilities, natural products will be utilised as surface finishes to roads, pathways and public open spaces, and a smooth transition between homes, open spaces and the golf course will be created.

Q43 What shopping facilities are available?
A43 Both Hillcrest as well as Waterfall has several shopping centres and a thriving business centre, which can meet most needs. In the longer term a neighbourhood shopping centre adjoining Cotswold Estate may be considered.

Q44 Will satellite TV be provided?
A44 Yes.

Q45 To what extent will the latest technology be used at Cotswold Downs?
A45 Cotswold Downs is planned as a leading edge development and the latest technology, particularly in the field of communications, will be used. An intranet system is planned together with 24-hour internet connectivity. The entire development will also be piped for gas.

Facilities and Amenities in the Area

Q45 What shopping facilities are available?
A45 Both Hillcrest and Waterfall have several shopping centres and a thriving business centre to meet most needs. In the longer term a neighbourhood shopping centre adjoining Cotswold Downs estate may be considered.

Every precaution and care has been taken by Wakefields to ensure the correctness of the details set out, however, Wakefields does not warrant or guarantee the correctness of the information supplied, and is therefore not liable for any errors and/or omissions.