Bricking up old fire place

[Coffeegoon]

I've just removed the wooden fire surround and hearth from a first floor fire place which we want to block off.

The next stage in the process would be to seal off the fire place before plastering. I presume that the best way to do this is to brick it up (using an air brick to keep some ventilation) but I just wanted to double-check whether anyone has ever taken a different approach to this?

Assuming that bricking up is the way to go, I gather from some other guides that it is advisable to use frame cramps. Does anyone have any views about how essential these are? The fireplace is fairly standard size - certainly not particularly large.

Many thanks in advance for any advice that anyone may have!

 

[Wayners]

I've just blocked with blocks and cement then plastered. Always have a vent in front or side to keep air blowing through