Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021

51 Variation of heat network zone by Scottish Ministers

(1) The Scottish Ministers may vary a heat network zone—

(a) following a request by the local authority in whose area the heat network zone is situated, or

(b) on the Scottish Ministers’ own initiative.

(2) It does not matter for the purposes of subsection (1) whether the heat network zone was designated by—

(a) a local authority, or

(b) the Scottish Ministers.

(3) In deciding whether to vary a heat network zone under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must have regard to the matters mentioned in section 48(1).

(4) Before deciding whether to vary a heat network zone, the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a) each local authority in whose area the heat network zone is situated,

(b) such other persons as they consider appropriate.

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

(a) vary the heat network zone, or

(b) decide not to vary the heat network zone.

(6) If the Scottish Ministers vary the heat network zone under subsection (5)(a), they must—

(a) identify the area of the heat network zone as varied in a document by reference to a map,

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

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