UK mot's only really check the safety of a motorcycle, and don't really do red tape like "this rear wheel should be x size for this one year". If you had a later 251, it would have the much larger/longer plastic mudguard. I think you might be able to get away with the centre stand. Possibly...
When it comes to my MOT's, they are shall we say... just a 30 minute chat about motorcycles
I also think the 251 is a bit small for me too (I have a 1990 metal rear mudguard too!). The steering is more direct certainly and sure this can be nice in the city, the 250 though is a nice longer bike that somehow seems to hold more confidence with me. The seating position all seems the same, and although I feel like I am sitting 'in' the bike on the 251 owing to the way the tank is shaped, I do feel more bolt upright almost whereas the 250 seems lower.