Tough new planning laws drawn up after complaints from residents of south Belfast's university area will control the spread of student accommodation, it emerged today.
From tomorrow landlords and developers wishing to change a family home into a house of multiple occupation must apply for planning permission.
The move comes after residents of the Holylands area near Queen's University claimed they were being terrorised by the anti-social behaviour of students. Local people also said the area was becoming overcrowded. It is believed some landlords are cramming as many as 12 students into houses only designed for four or five people.
The law will now give planning services more powers to control the growth of houses in multiple occupancy. Earlier this month the Environment Minister Ms Angela Smith said tightening planning legislation was the first step in addressing public concerns about overcrowding. And she said it was a further step in modernising the planning process.
Last week, poor relations between students and Holylands residents came to a head following a television documentary highlighting problems in the area.
BBC Northern Ireland cameras captured images of students urinating in doorways, playing hurling on the street and rowdy behaviour in the early hours of the morning. The programme claimed lifelong residents of the Holylands were being forced to leave because of the constant menace from drunken students.
It is also understood both Queen's University and University of Ulster have taken steps to curb anti-social behaviour in the area. Students found to be in breach of college rules could face fines, suspensions and even expulsion.
PA