Can I remove a batten from this joist and not regret it?

[TeJayCee]

Ideally I would like the vent assembly (shown on the right) to be positioned where the batten is because the assembly would then be in the middle of the ceiling below. The assembly fits snugly between the two joists.

I cannot see other similar battens this like but I don't want to remove it and find I have made a big mistake!

 

[conny]

If that cover fits to the ceiling side, (as opposed to the inner joist side), then it looks narrow enough at the inner collar to sit central without the need to remove the batten.
Can't say why the batten is there but it could be as support for the edge of the plaster board, which may be needed if the edge of the plasterboard was damaged or cut short when installed.

 

[magicmushroom666]

Could have been for an old ceiling rose, looks like a hole for a cable, and would make sense in the middle of the room. ie no problem removing it.

 

[TeJayCee]

Many thanks for the great replies.

Unfortunately the whole circumference of the cover has to be flat down in the loft so that is not an option.

It is a place where an old ceiling rose could have been so I will remove it.

 

[mattylad]

You could always batten across either side of it to return the previous support, if any was needed.

 

[TeJayCee]

You could always batten across either side of it to return the previous support, if any was needed.

Thanks for your reply. I was able to complete it yesterday morning.

Apologies to conny because I could have followed their advice and left the batten in as the cover was fitted to the ceiling below and not in the loft ( their was a further cover for the part shown in the photo to make it look good on the ceiling).

Anyway it was only after I had taken the batten out that I was certain it was there for the old ceiling rose. It was nailed into the joist in the middle of the ceiling below and was not attached to the plasterboard and as pointed out it had a hole for the cable.

I am a not DIY expert but very pleased with the result. Thanks again for everyone's help.