Gas Meter - Question for anyone with knowledge on location

Hi, Looking for some advice please. We have a gas meter located on an outside wall we have built a false external wall where this meter is so the side of our house runs the same depth fron to back. The builder simply built the wall around the meter so that the front is exposed for reading the meter.

The building inspector took one look at it and said he wasn't happy, our builder then got a WEst and Wales person out and they have said we need to change. My question is why, is it becuase they can't access the pipe now and if so if we exposed below the meter would that be OK? or is it for saftey reasons or other?

The builder told the guy we wanted an inset meter but I don't get how we'll be able to get that installed in the same location as the curent with W&W first disconecting us then buildning in and them then coming back which would mean god know how long without gas.

Any advice would be appreciated so I can understand my option. Many thanks in advance.

The gas supply pipe must be accessible right up to the meter and can not be built over or built in. I suppose this also implies that any leaks will be able to vent into outside space.

The gas pipe must be fully accessible (ie outside of your dwelling) to the gas supplier up to the point of its entry into the meter so that they can gain access to it should a leak be suspected. Often depends on your luck as to whether the BC notices/is concerned. At least they wont drive a digger though your wall to get access to the pipe should it ever be needed though!

Hi Thanks for your responses. Do you think that means if we open up the brick work below the meter so the pipe is open again that will solve this problem.

I don't want to pay for something that is unneccessary. The meter is around the side of the house and there will be a gate so it won't be visible at all from the front of the property.

Maybe, but you will need to persuade the Building Inspector and maybe your gas supplier as your builder appears to have gone and got them involved! As mentioned provided the pipe is accessible from the outside it should get the thumbs up.

Have you asked the gas people & the building inspector exactly what you need to do?

I'd of thought that would be your first port of call.

is your meter now in an enclosed space ie a room or is it just behind a garden wall.
gas engineers doing a job next door to me now and i can ask them.
they are relocating a meter box to a new position as neighbour has extended front of house.

they let me copy a technical instruction regarding your subject,
nice to meet some very decent workmen

so any questions fire away (or in this case dont mention fire).

interesting reading and now time for pub,even more brain surgeons there.