Student homes in residential areas are to be restricted to bring a balance back to communities.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet signed off on new planning laws to restrict the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in some areas.

It means anyone seeking to convert their property into an HMO in areas near the city’s universities would need planning permission.

The local authority believes it will maintain balance in areas experiencing an over-concentration of student lets which can have a detrimental impact on communities.

Council leader Bill Randall said: “We have looked at the issue in response to concerns from residents in areas where increasing concentration of HMOs is having the greatest impact.

"The measure will help control over-concentration of HMOs and will sit alongside our revised planning policy.

“The council is keen to work with education establishments and students so that their accommodation needs are met in a sustainable way.

“The policy will also aim to make sure that there is purpose-built housing that will meet the needs of students, but which fits in with surrounding neighbourhoods and reduces pressure on the city’s housing sites.”

The five wards affected are Hanover and Elm Grove, Hollingdean and Stanmer, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, Queens Park, and St Peters and North Laine.

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