Gas shut-off inside plaster: why?
Gas shut-off inside plaster: why?


Because your house was built by 'professionals', and not a DIYer who plans on living with the end product.


  Is there any valid reason this might have been done this way?


No.


  are there options to add another shutoff valve further along the connection?


Sure.  I wouldn't bother though.  What you did by freeing the existing valve is good enough.

That valve is there for people to be able to remove the appliance for service or replacement.  It's not for emergencies.  And once the appliance is moved out it's plenty accessible.

For emergencies, go outside and use the valve by the meter to cut off gas supply.