Space either side of Range?

I have had a kitchen designed, and am in the middle of having it fitted. On the design, there is a 4.3cm gap either side of the 110cm Belling range cooker I am having fitted. There are low units either side of the cooker.

At this point, with replastering etc, I have less space than expected across that wall - does anyone know if the space either side of the cooker is required, and even if it is, could it be shaved down a bit to give me the space I need?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

99% of the range cookers I've worked on, gas and electric, have had no gap between worktops and cooker. They have all had the worktops edged in metal strips and they are butted up to the cooker.
On the gas ones, the worktop is lower than the pan stands, i.e. level with the cabinet of the cooker.
What does your installation manual state?

The range cooker hasn't been delivered yet, unfortunately.

We have the Rangemaster 110, and although the worktop is butted up to the cooker, the instructions sugested a 15mm air space between the base units and the cooker. The worktop has shown no problems in the 2 years its been there.

You Should be able to get the infomation from Belling Product Helpline, they may be able to e-mail you the installation requirements.Here

Salem