A restriction on the number of student houses permitted near one of Yorkshire's most popular universities could deter prospective applicants, students fear.

Plans requiring house owners in the vicinity of Hull University to get planning permission to turn a property into student flats are currently under discussion.

A 600-signature petition has been raised by the Student Union's former vice-president Tom Peel and is going to the council on Thursday.

The proposal has been made to address concerns about the impact of the large amount of houses with several tenants in the area. There are fears that student housing is creating 'imbalanced communities' lacking in permanent residents and fuelling complaints about noise, untidy properties and overflowing bins.

However, while some residents have welcomed the move, approved by Hull Council's Cabinet earlier this summer, the Student Union argues that restricting student housing could lower house prices, risk economic growth, and deter students from applying to the university.

Following confirmation by the council, the new rule would come into effect next October. Residents have until the end of November to put forward their views.

Copyright Press Association 2012