Renovating Duplex - Common Property

We're looking at removing timber floors and replacing them with concrete on a 100+ year old inner city duplex. The main reason is that there is some termite damage and the concreting is the only permanent way to avoid termites in future.

The problem is, after removing the timber flooring we've discovered that there are ventilation ducts in the sub-floor area where the common wall is. Presumably this is to allow for ventilation across both sides of the duplex. If we were to concrete the sub-floor area, this would block the neighbour's airflow on one corner of their house.

To this, I have a few questions:
  • First of all, does this sort of work require council approval?
  • What are the ramifications of modifying something that is/next to common property? Are there any guidelines/references I can look at?
  • To make things more complicated, the place next door sold at an auction a couple of weeks ago, meaning the ownership will change hands in about 4 weeks time. Any advice on how to deal with this situation?

The immediate goal is to get the house in a state to be rented out as soon as possible, would appreciate your thoughts on how to go about this problem. Thanks in advance!
 
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