Buying existing Non-licenced HMO

[propertyman1]

I'm in the process of buying a property thats already let out to 5 students, the HMO planning law came in in my area on 16th December 2011 requiring all HMO's to get planning permission. As this property was already let out to students before that time, I can get proof through an AST that its already been let out as an HMO which the council have confirmed is all ok.

However I have been reading up a bit more and I'm slightly concerned that the property would also need to have already had change of use from C3 to C4 applied (which before 16th December 2011 didnt require planning permission it just required change of use) or is that not the case.

I have spoke to the council a number of times and have also been told conflicting information!

thanks

[propertyman1]

Answered my own question, spoke to planning again and :

change in my area from C3 to C4 was a permitted development before the 16th December so its not an issue as long as you can prove if need be that it was rented out from before the cut off date.

[Phlash]

Answered my own question, spoke to planning again and :

change in my area from C3 to C4 was a permitted development before the 16th December so its not an issue as long as you can prove if need be that it was rented out from before the cut off date.

I agree with your own answer!