HMO license stipulates too few tenants.

HMO Licensing

I have now received my HMO license from my borough council.

The property is four double bedrooms, a bathroom, an en-suite showeroom, a kitchen/lounge and small box room, used as a study. This flat is well maintained and is large enough to hold four people.

I have quite clearly told them it is for four people and supplied floorplans, EICR/GSR certificates, and the current AST.

However the council have approved the license saying that the license is for three seprate households only without saying why,  except that there are very high penalties for "adding" more people.

They have lablled one bedroom as a 'rear addittion', when it is part of the original building.

I have emailed them for an explanation, but they will likely drag their heels over responding.

Has anyine else experienced receiving a HMO license for less tenants than the application?

Thank you.