An area scheme (4)
I believe the answer is:
plot
I believe this is a double definition.
'an area' is the first definition.
(plot is a kind of area)
'scheme' is the second definition.
(plot is a kind of scheme)
(Other definitions for plot that I've seen before include "... of story, family ..." , "lost in poor judgment" , "Gunpowder, for one" , "Storyline or piece of land" , "See 12 Across" .)