HMO licensing problem

HMO Licensing

Hi,
An enforcement officer contracted to Hounslow Council is proposing to shut down 3 of my rooms because the exit to the street in the event of a fire would be past the kitchen. He deemed the alternative of the large back garden or climbing over to the neighbours (permanent rungs on wall offered) not suitable.
The rooms in question are of high quality and have no problems but they are part of a pre-existing extension which hugs the LHS boundary in back garden and turns a corner at bottom of garden. As they are attached to the house I think of it as an extension but can they be deemed 'beds in sheds'?
Any suggestions or similar experiences very welcome! My tenants are very upset as they love living there!
I already suggested separating kitchen and living area with a fire-proof wall but that was spurned along with all other suggestions.

Thanks a lot, Carol