The fog surrounding s257 HMO building license!

HMO Licensing

Wondering if anyone can lift the fog on s257 HMOs. This clearly an area where a lot of landlords are genuinely confused like me so any advise on the following will I am sure help others too.
Do all s257 HMO licensed buildings and self contained tenanted flats get inspected before license is issued?
What can I do if my other 1st floor freeholder/ leaseholder (Owner/Occupier) does not want to upgrade their flat entrance door to FD30S as part of the s257 HMO license conditions (assuming 2 self-contained flats in a two-storey building with ground floor let and 1st floor Owner/occupier)?
Do all landlords that are share of freeholders share the cost of s257 license or is it per landlord in the building (assume 3 self-contained flats- 3 landlords letting to one household each in 3 storey building)?
Can my tenant deny access to anyone from the council wanting to inspect the building/flat on the grounds they want to live peacefully and not be disturbed as per rental contract?
What are the housing standards expected of a self-contained flat (one household) within a s257 HMO building? I know these are quick fire questions but I really wish the NRLA could do a feature on the practicalities of gaining a 257 license.