I've read with some alarm old posts in the group about removing the chimney
breast from downstairs rooms. I don't really fancy the expense of getting
it completely removed and properly supported. But is there a way of simply
opening it up to somewhere near ceiling height, leaving a pillar of bricks
on either side and supporting with an RSJ across those pillars. So it would
be like a normal fireplace, only a lot bigger, creating an alcove of usable
space. This is in a ground floor flat, no access to the upstairs at all
(though cooperative people upstairs who would allow anything that was
complying with regs and done by professionals).

Thanks,

John