A letter in The Argus (March 26) asked why there are so many planning applications for more than a 1,000 student flats at the old Co-op in London Road, on Circus Street, at City College and in Lewes Road – all in Brighton.

The reason is that banks are keen to lend money to build student flats because students sign a lease for ten months or so, then the banks can increase the rent for the next year’s lease.

Students who drop out of their courses, for whatever reason, even if it is due to ill-health, have to continue to pay their rent as they have signed a ten-month contract.

It is claimed that students moving into student flats will release family housing for families but most students want to move out of halls of residence in their second and third years into houses.

So we may then see an over-supply of student flats.

It seems that in North Laine there are already more students than permanent residents.

Sadly large numbers of students in one place do not make very good neighbours, which results in residents having difficulty selling their houses.

Are we creating a student city?

Selma Montford, hon secretary, The Brighton Society