Removed gas fire, buyer wants local authority consent

flyingv

Hi everyone
We had a gas fire removed when we bought our property a couple of years ago.  The work was carried out by a gas safe engineer who was also installing a new boiler and rads.  We weren't sure what to do with the space, so we boarded it with some ply and put a sideboard in front of it for the time being. 

We are now selling (need to be back in London 3 days a week) and the buyer has raised an enquiry asking us to provide local authority consent.  I feel like I've been really dumb and missed something important.

Has anyone heard of this before, and if so what do we do?  Thanks in advance for any advice!

Albermarle

Is the property ex council, or is the council the freeholder ?

flyingv

No, not ex-council and we own the freehold

user1977

Just tell them it doesn't need consent. 

flyingv

user1977 said:

Just tell them it doesn't need consent. 

Thanks for your reply, do I not need anything in writing from Building Control/planning? 

user1977

What makes you think you need consent? 

Section62

flyingv said:

user1977 said:

Just tell them it doesn't need consent. 

Thanks for your reply, do I not need anything in writing from Building Control/planning? 

The boiler installation / CH alterations would have required notification to BC....  are there some crossed wires about what the consent was needed for?

MysteryMe

When the new CH system was installed you should have been issued with a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate, the installer /boiler manufacturer usually notifies the LA Building Control at the same time. 

Some LA's have a building control portal where you can check what notifications have been received for your property.

WIAWSNB

I understand that new CH systems require being logged with Building Control, but I'm not aware that the removal of a gas fire does.
It needs a GasSafe to do the job, yes, but that is surely it?
Do you have the invoice for the CH? Does it mention the fire?

MysteryMe

The fire just needs to be removed by a gas safe engineer, as they have to cap the gas pipe. It's not covered by building control same as you don't need to contact building control when you are taking out an old gas cooker. The OP should have paperwork from the gas safe engineer (such as an invoice) saying the supply has been capped etc.

flyingv

Thanks everyone for your replies, really helpful.

We have a BC cert for the installation of the new boiler but it doesn't mention the removal of the fire.  It's definitely been capped off.  Do I need to retrospectively ask for this?