New build - no permission for gas hob

MoneyHidingExpert

We are looking to buy a new build house and the builder we are interested in said all their houses come with induction hobs - and they’re not allowed to have a gas hob even though it has gas central heating.

I know there is going to be ban on gas hobs in 5/6 years time but it sounds strange in 2021- can anyone throw some light on this please? Is it true that they may not have planning permission for gas hob?

[Deleted User]

MoneyHidingExpert said:

We are looking to buy a new build house and the builder we are interested in said all their houses come with induction hobs - and they’re not allowed to have a gas hob even though it has gas central heating.

I know there is going to be ban on gas hobs in 5/6 years time but it sounds strange in 2021- can anyone throw some light on this please? Is it true that they may not have planning permission for gas hob?

Which council? Are other builders in the council area offering properties with gas hobs? 

seatbeltnoob

leashold or freehold? The landlord for leasehold might have their own rules.

[Deleted User]

seatbeltnoob said:

leashold or freehold? The landlord for leasehold might have their own rules.

From previous threads the OP is in Scotland so there is none of that leaseholder/freeholder pish.

Doozergirl

It won't have anything to do with planning permission.  

Have you used an induction hob yet?  There's no practical advantage to having gas over induction.  

theoretica

A gas hob may have different requirements for ventilation and carbon monoxide detectors etc.

pinkshoes

We took our gas hob out 2 years ago and replaced it with induction. SO much better!

AdrianC

MoneyHidingExpert said:

I know there is going to be ban on gas hobs in 5/6 years time

No, there isn't.

Back in early 2019, there were recommendations to stop new-build homes after 2025 being connected to the mains gas network. But they've never been acted on yet.

If it had been, you wouldn't have GCH - which uses FAR more gas than cooking...

Here's a parliamentary answer from the minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, just a fortnight ago...
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2021-07-12/31279
"When it is implemented in 2025, the Future Homes Standard will deliver new homes that are zero carbon ready, with low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency. In the 2020 Energy White Paper, we also committed to consulting on the feasibility of ending the connection of new build homes to the natural gas grid, in favour of clean energy alternatives. We expect to consult on this commitment later this year to gather further evidence before taking a decision."

They might get round to a consultation later this year to get evidence to think about maybe banning it in houses built at some point in the future...

The most logical answer is that it's simply cheaper and easier for the developer to fit an electric hob than a gas one. But they have precisely zero control if you want to change it post-purchase.

justcat01

AdrianC said:

MoneyHidingExpert said:

I know there is going to be ban on gas hobs in 5/6 years time

No, there isn't.

Whew! Thanks for clearing that up as it had me a tad nervous about my upcoming kitchen design!

pinkteapot

Doozergirl said:

It won't have anything to do with planning permission.  

Have you used an induction hob yet?  There's no practical advantage to having gas over induction.  

Totally agree. Years back I had an awful old-style electric hob in a rented place and vowed to never have anything other than gas. Bought a house with an induction hob and I'm completely converted. Heat is just as controllable as with gas and it's sooooo much easier to clean! 

There is an initial cost to replace your pans if they're not induction-compatible, but it will probably cost less than having the induction hob changed to a gas hob after completion, especially if there's no gas been run to the cooker area during the build. 

kasqueak

I think most new builds have electric induction hobs these days. Nothing to do with permissions etc I just think they are sleeker in design and just more efficient. I have one and would never go back to gas.