NEW regulations to stop the unchecked expansion of shared housing in a Winchester could soon be introduced.

It comes after the Chronicle reported how concerns have been growing that Winnall is becoming plagued with issues over more student houses.

In May, Stanmore attained the protection of what is known as ‘Article 4’. This forces landlords to apply for planning permission before they convert family homes into homes in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Residents in Fiona Close in Winnall drew up a petition to protect their street after concerns over a planning application to convert one of the homes.

Now the city council says it is listening to the worries of residents and will introduce the same measure as in Stanmore.

In the New Year, the council will look into the option of introducing an ‘Article 4 Direction’ in Winnall and any other areas of the city where there is information to suggest that increasing numbers of HMOs are causing an imbalance in the mix of housing.

City council’s portfolio holder for housing Caroline Horrill said: “HMOs provide an essential housing option for many residents in the city. However, the proliferation in numbers in any one area can have a significantly detrimental impact on communities and I would support some control on the growth in numbers.

"The council will also be looking at introducing licensing of all HMOs to ensure they are well-managed and the impact on neighbourhoods is minimised.

“Additional planning controls won’t prevent individual applications or stop specific properties being converted to HMOs, nor should they. However, they could help to prevent numbers escalating too high and keep a balance to the City’s traditional family housing estates.”

The issue has been caused by the massive expansion of Winchester University in recent years, and in spite of the building of new accommodation for students on Burma Road.