Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021

49 Designation of heat network zone by Scottish Ministers

(1) This section applies where the Scottish Ministers are considering whether to designate an area in the area of a local authority as a heat network zone—

(a) pursuant to a request by the local authority under section 47(4)(b), or

(b) on the Scottish Ministers’ own initiative.

(2) The Scottish Ministers must, in considering whether to designate the area as a heat network zone, have regard to the matters mentioned in section 48(1).

(3) Before deciding whether to designate the area as a heat network zone, the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a) each local authority in whose area the proposed heat network zone would be situated,

(b) such other persons as they consider appropriate.

(4) Having had regard to the matters mentioned in section 48(1) and complied with the requirements under subsection (3), the Scottish Ministers may—

(a) designate the area as a heat network zone, or

(b) decide not to designate the area as a heat network zone.

(5) If the Scottish Ministers designate an area as a heat network zone, they must—

(a) identify the area in a document by reference to a map,

(b) specify in the document the day on which the designation takes effect, and

(c) publish the document in such manner as they consider appropriate.