Being Forced To Move Gas Meter

I live in a purpose built block of flats. Each flat has a gas meter located inside their flat, in the hall. Completely out of the blue we've received a letter from Cadent who are forcing us to have the gas meter moved to the outside balcony. No explanation as to why. It would mean having a gas pipe go through internal walls and onto the balcony. No one wants this. Can we be forced to have this work done?