PLANNING rules to curb the spread of student housing have been extended further.

The rules to try and prevent family homes from being turned into student accommodation, have already been introduced in Durham and have now been extended to Framwellgate Moor, Newton Hall and Pity Me.

It means landlords who want to turn homes into houses of multiple occupation will need to apply for planning permission.

The scheme, which will come into force next May, was welcomed by Framwellgate Moor councillors Mark Wilkes, Amanda Hopgood and Mamie Simmons, who say the area is facing increasing problems caused by HMOs.

Cllr Hopgood said: “We worked to get this action to reduce the risk of further serious problems. Parking issues in some areas are becoming dangerous. Properties converted for students are being occupied by professionals with cars but there’s nowhere to park.”

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “While the number of students is relatively low in the Framwellgate Moor area compared to the city, we’re aware that student accommodation is a key issue for residents and are happy to support the clear desire for stronger regulation in the area.

“The contribution students make to both the culture and economy of Durham cannot be underestimated but it’s essential that we have balanced communities across the city and beyond.”

The announcement comes weeks after Durham University announced it expects to have around 5,700 more students living in city by 2027.

The university is currently consulting on its estates masterplan, which includes proposals for around £350 million investment in its buildings, new colleges and two new teaching hubs in the city.

Some residents have called for a public meeting to discuss the impact of the growth on Durham, including St Nicholas Community Forum.

Meanwhile the City of Durham Trust has called for discussions on the expansion to take place through the County Durham Plan.

Chair Douglas Pocock said: “They’ve got a huge estate, it’s the biggest in the city. They’ve got the land but can our little town really withstand that? “Should the city adjust to the university or should the university adjust to the city. These are the fundamental sort of things that need to be considered.”