Can't you just board over them? NZ & French houses don't have exposed pipework, it's all in the walls as they have timber frame houses. I'd get a builder to build a timber framework and board over the top also boxing in the waste disposal. If you want acess to the waste disposal, you could make it look like a cupboard. Get a few quotes and see what the cost would be, it's probably less than you think.

Hiring an architect may seem like an unnecessary expense, however, the right one can help you avoid hidden costs in the future and get the most out of your budget. For starters, an architect is best able to assess your space and get it working hardest for you. They’ll also give you an accurate understanding on the scope of work needed, so you can better plan out your finances. Not only this, they know the ins and outs of planning, meaning if you need it, they’ll be able to sort this for you ahead of time. Saving you time and money. If you’re removing a chimney breast, you’ll probably need a structural engineer. Again, an architect will be able to refer you to the best one for the project. Also, depending on your chimney, you could impact on a party wall. This could require its own set of planning, or even the recommendation of a good party wall surveyor. No matter the professional, at Resi, we try our best to put you in touch with the right people for the job. From CCTV surveyors, all the way to builders. If you’re still unsure about whether or not an architect is right for your project, feel free to book in a free advice call with our team: https://resi.co.uk/advice_calls/new

Is yours the ground floor flat yeah? Send a pic of the outside of the property in the area of damp. If the render has been done right down to ground level then that's your problem zrender should stop above DPC which is normally about 4 ish bricks above the ground. If your render goes over it then it defeats what the DPC is trying to do (be a damp barrier) as render then acts as bridge for moisture over DPC

Buy brick acid from bnq (they sell a bostik one) and should clean off no bother. Follow PPE guidance, don't dink it etc