Gas Meter Relocation London

Can I move my gas meter in my London property and how does the process work?

Yes, gas meters can be relocated in London properties, but the process involves coordination with Cadent Gas (the gas distribution network operator for London, formerly National Grid Gas Distribution). The process: (1) You contact Cadent Gas (0800 389 8000) or apply online at cadentgas.com to request a meter move. Cadent Gas owns the meter and the service pipe up to the meter. (2) Cadent Gas will survey the proposed new location and confirm whether it is acceptable under their technical standards. (3) Cadent Gas will arrange for the meter to be removed temporarily. (4) A Gas Safe registered engineer (us) installs the new gas pipework from the meter position to your internal supply, rerouting all downstream pipes as required. (5) Cadent Gas returns to reinstall and reconnect the meter at the new position. Cadent Gas charges for the meter reconnection (their current fee structure is available on their website). The internal gas pipework rerouting and Building Regs Part J compliance are the homeowner's responsibility — this is the work we carry out. Lead time from Cadent Gas application to meter move is typically 4–8 weeks in London.

Why would I need to relocate my gas meter in a London property?

Common reasons for gas meter relocation in London properties: (1) Kitchen extension — the most common reason in London. Rear kitchen extensions frequently incorporate the external wall where the gas meter is located. The meter cannot remain in the path of the extension. (2) Meter in a damp location — many London Victorian properties have external meter boxes set into brick walls that have become damp over time. Persistent damp can damage the meter and presents a corrosion risk to the gas pipework. Relocating to a dry internal cupboard or a new external meter box resolves this. (3) New boiler installation — relocating the boiler (e.g. from kitchen to airing cupboard or utility room) sometimes requires moving the gas entry point. (4) Loft conversion — extending the gas supply to a new boiler or gas fire in a converted loft requires rerouting pipework, and the meter position sometimes needs adjustment to shorten pipe runs. (5) Meter inaccessible — Cadent Gas and your gas supplier require meter reader access. Meters behind locked gates, inside locked outhouses, or within a building extension become problematic. Relocation to an accessible external meter box resolves this.

Where can a gas meter be relocated in a London house or flat?

Gas meter placement in London properties is governed by Cadent Gas technical standards and Building Regulations Part J (combustion appliances). Permitted locations: (1) External meter box (GRP or metal) — the most common relocation target. An external meter box is set into the external wall at accessible height (0.5m–2m above ground). Must not be in a garage, car port, or below a window opening onto the meter. (2) Internal cupboard — permitted only if the cupboard is purpose-designed for gas meter housing, with ventilation to outside (minimum 100cm² free area top and bottom) and no ignition sources. Not permitted in a bedroom or bathroom. (3) Not permitted: inside a garage (fire risk), below stairs without ventilation, inside a room with a gas appliance unless the cupboard is vented. London flat considerations: in London mansion blocks and converted Victorian houses, meter relocation often requires freeholder or management company consent (as the external wall and any communal areas are common parts). Gas meter boxes on external walls require no planning permission under Permitted Development, but work on listed buildings or in Conservation Areas (common in London) may require Conservation Area Consent.

How much does gas meter relocation cost in London?

Gas meter relocation in London involves two separate cost elements: (1) Cadent Gas charges: Cadent Gas charges for their network connection work — temporarily disconnecting the meter, and reconnecting the meter at the new location. Cadent Gas publishes a standard charges document on their website (cadentgas.com). As of 2025, the indicative charge for a standard meter move where the service pipe does not need extending is in the region of £300–£600 depending on complexity. If Cadent Gas need to extend the service pipe (the pipe from the street to the meter), additional charges apply. (2) Internal gas pipework works: rerouting the gas pipework from the new meter position to your boiler, cooker, and any other gas appliances. This is carried out by our Gas Safe registered engineers. Cost depends on the length of new pipework, the number of appliances to reconnect, and the building construction (solid brick walls vs stud partitions). Indicative cost: £450 for a simple internal move with existing pipework rerouted; £650+ for relocation to a new external meter box including the box supply and fitting. Total cost for a typical London kitchen extension meter move: £750–£1,200 including Cadent Gas charges.

Do I need Building Regulations approval to relocate a gas meter in London?

Gas meter relocation itself does not require a separate Building Regulations application — it is covered under Part P (electrical safety) for the notifiable works trigger and Part J (combustion appliances) for compliance. However: all gas pipework work in the UK must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Gas Safe registration is the legal requirement under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Any gas work carried out by an unregistered person is a criminal offence. Our engineers hold Gas Safe registration (CCN1, CPA1, CENWAT, and MET1 competencies as applicable). Building Regulations notification: if your gas meter relocation is part of a larger building project (kitchen extension, loft conversion), the broader project may require Building Regulations approval, and the gas work will be inspected as part of that process. An isolated meter move does not typically trigger a separate Building Regs application.

How long does gas meter relocation take in London?

The timeline for gas meter relocation in London breaks into two phases: (1) Cadent Gas lead time: after submitting your application to Cadent Gas, expect 4–8 weeks for a survey appointment and confirmation. The actual Cadent Gas site work (temporary disconnection and reconnection) is typically completed in 2 separate half-day visits. This part of the timeline is outside our control. (2) Our internal pipework works: typically completed in 1 day for a straightforward internal meter move with one boiler to reconnect. More complex jobs with multiple gas appliances, solid brick walls, or long pipe runs may take 1.5–2 days. Emergency gas meter moves: if your meter is in an urgent situation (flooding risk, demolition programme, construction programme start), contact Cadent Gas on their Priority Services team — they can sometimes expedite. We can also liaise with Cadent Gas on your behalf as your Gas Safe registered contractor.