A CITY councillor has called for more to be done by civic chiefs as landlords in Stanmore are finding ways around new laws on homes in multiple occupation.

Cllr Jamie Scott wants Winchester City Council to tackle the HMO problem which sees homeowners extend their properties and rent them, mainly to students.

A clampdown on HMOs, called 'article 4', was introduced by Winchester City Council earlier this year, forcing landlords to apply for planning permission before they convert family homes.

However, despite the change, Cllr Scott, ward councillor for Stanmore, says more houses being extended instead.

"They (the landlords) are making a phenomenal amount of money," he added.

"What can they do in the area to improve it? I can fully understand wanting to make the most of their return, but Stanmore is becoming unrecognisable."

Earlier this year it was estimated that 700 houses had been sold under right to buy, with around 880 left in council hands.

HMOs)are popular with young people due to their reduced rents, but late night parties and anti-social behaviour have caused friction.

Cllr Scott also said residents have gone to him complaining about the students, who make noise, cause mess and block up roads.

He has previously said locals, in the long-term, may support residents-only parking.

"The issue is these young people come to the city as students and do not know how to run a household," added the councillor.

"There can sometimes be mounting bins outside their homes as Biffa won't take them because they've put the wrong rubbish in the wrong bins."

He added: "We don't mind HMOs that house young professionals, as they will go to bed at night; they won't commit massive problems. They would also put much more into the community, however I am not saying that students won't but young professionals would do more."

However, Cllr Scott said he has been trying to help students: "What we have been doing is going to these students with welcome packs; these have been really well received.

"They contain local information, bin collection times and also postcards to pop through neighbour's doors."