Preferred conservation zones PCZ
Preferred Conservation Zones (PCZ) were a pre-curser to what are now referred to by a single land designation in Scotland - National Scenic Areas (NSA) - with a sub designation referring to marine locations. Around 13% of Scotland's land area is designated a National Scenic Area, with over 26% of these being attributed as marine areas.
The equivalent of NSAs or areas “of outstanding scenic value in a national context” in the UK for which special protection measures are required would are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), whilst specific marines areas may be referred to as Heritage Coast.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Ancient woodland.
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Designated land.
- Ecological network.
- European sites.
- Local green space.
- Local interest list.
- Local Nature Reserve.
- Making Local Nature Recovery Strategies deliver.
- National nature reserves.
- National parks.
- National Scenic Area NSA.
- Nature improvement area.
- Ramsar sites.
- Scheduled monuments.
- Site of biological importance.
- Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI).
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
- Special areas of conservation.
- Special protection areas.
- World heritage site.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.
Why construction can't afford to ignore the skills gap.
Building Safety Regulator, 19 August
Gill Kernick appointed Independent Chair of Residents’ Panel.
Connecting knowledge, technology and conservation
Building competence for the future of built heritage.