Neighbour's driveway - gas metres

Kai_63

TELLIT01 said:

Have you spoken to occupier of the ground floor flat about your concerns.  All they need to do is ensure enough space is left beside/behind their car to get access to the meter.

They are friendly enough but not that reliable. I've asked them about 10 times not to leave building materials blocking the metre during their works and they keep forgetting. I'm mainly worried about the gas leak safety aspect rather than readings etc.

born_again

Kai_63 said:

FreeBear said:

There are measures that can be taken to protect a wall mounted gas meter from impact damage - At the extreme end, Armco barriers. Less visually intrusive, a couple of 30-50mm diameter posts.

With a smart meter, you rarely need to access it to take readings - The energy supplier can (usually) download the data remotely, and you can also do a reading via the IHD. If you don't have a smart meter, I'd recommend getting one sometime in the near future.

Thank you. I'm less concerned about readings and more concerned about being able to turn off the gas if there's a gas leak. Will take a look at the protection options.

TBH, if you had a leak, then they would be in just as much danger as you.

Kai_63

born_again said:

Kai_63 said:

FreeBear said:

There are measures that can be taken to protect a wall mounted gas meter from impact damage - At the extreme end, Armco barriers. Less visually intrusive, a couple of 30-50mm diameter posts.

With a smart meter, you rarely need to access it to take readings - The energy supplier can (usually) download the data remotely, and you can also do a reading via the IHD. If you don't have a smart meter, I'd recommend getting one sometime in the near future.

Thank you. I'm less concerned about readings and more concerned about being able to turn off the gas if there's a gas leak. Will take a look at the protection options.

TBH, if you had a leak, then they would be in just as much danger as you.

True but they don't seem to be bothered judging by how many times they've blocked both metres while their building work has been going on. It's why I was hoping there might be a way around it.

Grumpy_chap

The gas meters do not belong to the OP or to the neighbour.
The OP could suggest to the Council that they have a safety concern (by virtue of blocking access to the isolation valve) and that the gas suppliers / gas grid operator should be added as consultees in relation to the planning application.
Is there a planning application in progress?  Often dropped kerbs and off street parking fall within permitted development.  The highways crossover agreement is separate from planning.

Kai_63

Grumpy_chap said:

The gas meters do not belong to the OP or to the neighbour.
The OP could suggest to the Council that they have a safety concern (by virtue of blocking access to the isolation valve) and that the gas suppliers / gas grid operator should be added as consultees in relation to the planning application.
Is there a planning application in progress?  Often dropped kerbs and off street parking fall within permitted development.  The highways crossover agreement is separate from planning.

Thanks, this is not a planning matter according to the council. The neighbour is required to submit a crossover application before they can proceed but I've already spoken to that team citing a safety concern and they insist it's a private matter between me and my neighbour so this wouldn't be part of their considerations! Not sure what else to do.

diveunderthebonnet

How many times have you had a gas leak? how many times have you had to turn the meter /supply off? i think you are worrying about something that might never happen .

Kai_63

diveunderthebonnet said:

How many times have you had a gas leak? how many times have you had to turn the meter /supply off? i think you are worrying about something that might never happen .

I had a gas leak 4 years ago in my previous home. It's also required by law for a gas meter to be accessible at all times even leaving aside whether I've had a gad leak or not.

Typhoon2000

You could fit a second gas shut off in your property if you are concerned.

Kai_63

Typhoon2000 said:

You could fit a second gas shut off in your property if you are concerned.

Thank you, will look into it.