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[wildbear]

Hi there 

I am after any advice for the connection of natural gas to my apartment.

1. I live in a small strata development in Sydney registered in 1996. There are 18 units in total. 14 of the units had natural gas connected at the construction phase 30 years ago. 4 do not.  I am one of the 4 that do not have gas connected.

2. A special by-law was registered for the provision of services, including gas, about 2 years ago. Amongst other requirements, it states that ‘no reasonable’ request for such a service can be refused.

3. I am in dispute with the OC due to the location of the gas copper pipes.

4. The by-law says that the pipes cannot encroach on another persons lot.

5. However, in order to run the supply to a proposed meter, I need to run about 2.9 metres of 20mm gas copper pipe in a neighbours lot. It would be attached to their brick external wall in their lot. The brick wall is considered to be common property. The gas pipe would be in their air space.

6. The owner has given me written consent to have the pipe located in their lot despite what the by law states.

7. The OC have rejected my application suggesting that I would require an easement to be drawn up to allow the pipe in her lot.

8. I understand that an easement is more permanent in nature but my question is whether the written consent offered is sufficient enough to allow the pipe to be attached. 

9. The remaining gas pipes run on other external brick walls which are common property and the OC has not sought easements for their placement.

10. We are proceeding to Mediation in about 2 weeks.

Any advice appreciated.

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