Housing and Planning Act 1986

38 After section 262B of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 insert—

“262C National Scenic Areas.

(1) Where it appears to the Secretary of State, after such consultation with the Countryside Commission for Scotland and such other persons or bodies as he thinks fit, that an area is of outstanding scenic value and beauty in a national context, and that special protection measures are appropriate for it, he may designate the area by a direction under this section as a National Scenic Area ; and any such designation may be varied or cancelled by a subsequent direction.

(2) Notice of any such designation, variation, or cancellation as is mentioned in subsection (1) above shall be published in the Edinburgh Gazette and in at least one newspaper circulating in the vicinity of the Area by the Secretary of State.

(3) Every planning authority shall compile and make available for inspection free of charge at reasonable hours and at a convenient place a list containing such particulars as the Secretary of State may determine of any area in their district which has been designated as a National Scenic Area.

(4) Where any area is for the time being designated as a National Scenic Area, special attention shall be paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing its character or appearance in the exercise, with respect to any land in that area, of any powers under this Act.”.