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KP – I agree, not just because of my SBL, but because in dech’s example (and in others that I’ve read on FlatChat) it was the Executive Committee (E/C) that gave consent to the changes (albeit possibly well-intentioned), when that is the role of the Owners Corporation (O/C) by way of a Special Resolution (≥75% voting in favour) taken at a General Meeting.
In answer to dech’s questions – yes, in the circumstances you describe the O/C would be held responsible for the maintenance of the air-conditioning system, and yes, it could require a Lot Owner to remove it and to restore the Common Property.
As I’ve stated in other posts, a problem often arises when the well-intentioned nature of the parties involved changes after property settlement (sale of the Lot) and/or after changes to the membership of the E/C.
It seems to me that both the current Lot Owners (who at least sought consent) and the current E/C would have the goodwill to remedy this situation, so your O/C needs to place an item on the Agenda of its General Meeting and Specially Resolve to grant retrospective consent to the Lot Owner’s air-conditioning system.
In order to enforce conditions such as one to make current and future Owners of the Lot responsible for all on-going maintenance, repairs, and replacements of the air-condition system, your O/C will need to Register a complementary Special By-Law; that would then apply to all Lot Owners who in future seek the O/C’s consent for air-conditioner installations.