Converting an HMO into a mixture of HMO rooms and self contained flats

HMO Licensing

Hi everyone.

I currently have a 5 bed HMO. I'm considering turning it into 4 self contained units (each being a bedroom with living space and kitchen facilities + ensuite) and 2 bedrooms that share a living room + kitchen/dining room + bathroom.

All the shared facilities will be inaccessible to the occupiers of the self contained units.

All occupants will have the same front door, hall, stairs and landing.

Does this still count as an HMO?

Would the self contained units be classed as studio flats? I've seen that the minimum space requirements of a studio flat is 37 square meters - which I absolutely don't have. But when I check the local council (Salford)'s requirements for room space for a bedroom/living room/kitchen it is 13 square meters, which I do have.

Will this this project require planning permission? There are no significant structural changes to the property other than 1 internal doorway being made in an existing wall and a few internal partitions being put up.

Any advice or help would be greatfully appreciated.