What counts as deep-rooted planting area?
A deep soil zone is an area of soil that provides sufficient space and soil conditions to support the healthy growth and retention of trees, including their root systems.
For a dual-occupancy development, deep-soil provision is relevant where trees are being provided or retained to meet the applicable tree planting and canopy-cover requirements. The required area should therefore be determined from the applicable tree and canopy provisions and the particular trees proposed or retained.
Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303) – Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026
Short Answer
A deep soil zone is an area with sufficient soil and space to support healthy tree roots and growth. The required provision depends on the applicable tree and canopy requirements and the trees proposed or retained.
Detailed Explanation
A deep soil zone provides soil volume and growing conditions necessary to support the establishment, healthy growth and retention of trees.
Under the Residential Zones Technical Specifications 2026, deep-soil provision is considered in conjunction with the applicable tree planting, tree retention and canopy-cover requirements. The adequacy of the deep-soil area should therefore be assessed against the applicable Technical Specifications and the characteristics of the trees proposed or retained.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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