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I live in a lower cottage flat. I've obtained planning permission and a building warrant to the side of my property. Before the work can start I need to move my neighbour's gas meter which is situated underneath my bathroom window. She did not lodge an objection when the planning application went through.
I contacted her at the beginning of May to advise I had contacted SGN regarding her meter and gave her 6 weeks to respond. I didn't receive a response so I proceeded with contacting SGN to arrange for a quote to have the meter moved. I posted the quote and a consent form through her door and she has been dragging her feet since. First, she said she wanted me to provide a written guarantee that I would rectify any damage to her property. A family friend who is a lawyer advised I should not agree to this as it would be covered by the liability insurance of SGN and the gas engineer who will reconnect her supply.
Second, she's now requested "detailed drawings" of the work. I've provided her with a sketch of the proposed new route for the pipe which will have to go over her bathroom window and enter the top end of her hall cupboard. I think her request for a more detailed drawing for re-routing a gas pipe is unreasonable and unnecessary for such a straightforward job. I therefore contacted Citizen's Advice today who advised that I had taken reasonable steps to keep her informed of the plans and I've offered to pay for the work. He suggested that I could lodge it as a civil action at the local Sheriff Court.
I'm looking for advice on next steps. Do I contact her and say her request is unreasonable and advise that I will lodge a civil case if she refuses to consent or do I provide her with the drawings? Both are going to delay the process and will potentially lead to me losing a slot with my builder.
As an aside, she requested I cut down a tree which was affecting her satellite signal which I agreed to and paid for myself. Would it be appropriate to refer to me being compliant with her request in my correspondence or should I just leave that out?
I contacted her at the beginning of May to advise I had contacted SGN regarding her meter and gave her 6 weeks to respond. I didn't receive a response so I proceeded with contacting SGN to arrange for a quote to have the meter moved. I posted the quote and a consent form through her door and she has been dragging her feet since. First, she said she wanted me to provide a written guarantee that I would rectify any damage to her property. A family friend who is a lawyer advised I should not agree to this as it would be covered by the liability insurance of SGN and the gas engineer who will reconnect her supply.
Second, she's now requested "detailed drawings" of the work. I've provided her with a sketch of the proposed new route for the pipe which will have to go over her bathroom window and enter the top end of her hall cupboard. I think her request for a more detailed drawing for re-routing a gas pipe is unreasonable and unnecessary for such a straightforward job. I therefore contacted Citizen's Advice today who advised that I had taken reasonable steps to keep her informed of the plans and I've offered to pay for the work. He suggested that I could lodge it as a civil action at the local Sheriff Court.
I'm looking for advice on next steps. Do I contact her and say her request is unreasonable and advise that I will lodge a civil case if she refuses to consent or do I provide her with the drawings? Both are going to delay the process and will potentially lead to me losing a slot with my builder.
As an aside, she requested I cut down a tree which was affecting her satellite signal which I agreed to and paid for myself. Would it be appropriate to refer to me being compliant with her request in my correspondence or should I just leave that out?
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