Buying 5-bed HMO and converting back to residential

info_maniac

Good afternoon, I have viewed a 3-bed detached house for sale which currently is being used as an HMO. It has a 6-bed HMO licence. The property has an extension at the back where it has an extra room and bathroom, the garage has also been converted to create an extra room and shower room. At one point the living room also had a wall erected across the length and was being used as the 6th bedroom, but that wall has now gone. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs.
The current HMO licence is until 2024. The property is sitting empty at the moment.
I have viewed the property and want to buy it as a residential family home for my self.
But, I am not sure if I need planning permission to convert the HMO back to a residential dwelling/property. I am not even sure if if I will be able to secure mortgage on such a property.
The local authority is Wokingham Borough Council.
I looked on the council's planning portal and although there is some information on how to apply for HMO licence and convert property to HMO, I could not find any information on if planning permission is required if an existing HMO is to be used as a residential property.
I emailed the council's planning team and they have replied that I need to submit a pre-application advice request and pay for it.
I have asked the estate agent and he hasn't replied either.
Any pointers or help regarding this mater will be appreciated.
Many Thanks

mlz1413

I don't think you will need planning permission but you might need building control to check the work you do if there are structural changes.  Also never think that planning dept and building control speak to each other as they don't!

We are returning a house into residential from being split in half as a business upstairs and a self contained flat downstairs.  We didn't need any permission until building a 2 storey extension. 

blue_max_3

There is usually far more legislation to convert a single property to HMO. Often due to density of population issues. There is rarely any objection to converting back to single occupancy.

AdrianC

It is a residential property. There is no "conversion". The licence only allows the residential property to be rented as an HMO, so you simply let the licence lapse.

If there are changes required, then BR and PP would apply as ever.