“… pot holes you need to avoid when transferring common property to a lot owner or worse still, selling the common property…”
I don’t think this is “selling common property”. It would be allowing an installation of private equipment on common property subject to conditions that would run with the unit.
“…“The supplier has plenty of references in private houses but none in stratas”. Do you know exactly the model chair lift under consideration? Will parts be available in future years? Will others be inconvenienced by the noise? …”
I think the committee should diligently research options including noise levels itself. Perhaps there are models of chair lift that would better fit the space or it might find an installer it prefers who can show an example that has been used in strata. With a little research, the committee could reassure itself that the best option is the one proposed or it could find something better and only approve that.
“Will the OC decide on the terms of a service agreement with the supplier or will it leave it to the lot owner?”
I think it would be adequate to make it a condition of approval that the owner of the chairlift ensures that it is serviced and safe and accepts liability for it and must undertake any repairs required by the OC at any time etc.
“…Say the local council approves it but in say, 5 years bans it for any reason. The council orders the OC to remove it…”
A condition of approval could be that the OC retains the right to require its removal at the lot owner’s expense without recourse.
I don’t think it would be all that hard to be accommodating on access while ensuring there is little risk to the OC.