(1)A local authority may at any time designate an area in its area that is particularly suitable for the construction and operation of a heat network in accordance with section 48.
(2)The Scottish Ministers may designate an area in the area of a local authority that is particularly suitable for the construction and operation of a heat network in accordance with section 49.
(3)In this Part, “heat network zone” means an area designated by—
(a)a local authority—
(i)under subsection (1), or
(ii)pursuant to a direction under section 53(1)(a) or (2), or
(b)the Scottish Ministers under subsection (2).