moving house

Hi everyone. I am seeking some advice on moving house. I have spoken to a benefits agency employee who said that moving a few streets away should not constitute a change of circumstances re. contributory ESA. I share a joint mortgage with my wife, we are separating after 18 years then divorcing which could take several years. I plan to move a few streets away to see our daughter frequently. However, I have equity in the place and wish to transfer some of it to create a modest mortgage for myself on a very small flat which my esa contributory and IIB could likely cover with a friend acting as guarantor for the mortgage. I do not really have any savings. Can the transfer of my location be managed legally without risking my state incomes as obviously this plan could affect my future. If anyone has any experience on this subject I would be glad to hear from them. Unfortunately housing benefit in my village is not sufficient for me to live in my village and so if I go down that route I will have to move away and could not visit my daughter easily due to mobility issues. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.

Thank you Gordon for your experienced opinion. I have PIP entitlements but no housing benefit or council tax benefit. I know I am technically in a UC area and if I claimed either of these, then I may be forced to change to UC.

thank you again.