CIVIC chiefs are weighing up whether to use new powers to stop the spread of student housing in Winchester.

The Government plans to arm local authorities with the right to veto family homes being turned into rented digs.

Winchester City Council is checking the new rules – which the Government wants to come into force by April – to see if they are workable.

However, the city’s university, which has more than 5,000 students, is not worried that the number of properties available will suddenly dry up.

Existing rented homes – also known as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) – are not included in Westminster’s plans. Landlords would only need approval if they intend to place three or more tenants, who are not related, in a new property.

Residents living near the university have previously complained about litter, parking and noise problems in their streets.

Around 200 met in Stanmore before Christmas to discuss the large number of student homes on the estate. Those who spoke included resident Alison Dudgeon, who this week welcomed the proposed crackdown on HMOs.