SIR – Hand out the tissues.

Predictably some landlords are distraught at Worcester City Council’s sensible decision to require planning permission for houses in multiple occupation (Worcester News, March 23).

The expansion of the University of Worcester has brought many benefits to the city and its economy but the influx of expanding student numbers has provided an opportunity which actual and potential landlords have inevitably grasped.

The landlords’ campaign ‘Say no to article 4’ argues that the decision is antistudent.

This is absurd because the planning permission will be required of all such change of use of residential accommodation, not only that intended to be let to students.

Landlords say it is “social engineering”. This is empty hyberbole.

It is actually about protecting the interests of existing occupants and neighbourhoods from unintended consequences.

Most students will be considerate neighbours but the city council cannot simply stand by and allow any neighbourhood to be severely impacted. To let the free market just get on with anything, anywhere, unbridled by any regulation would be scandalously irresponsible.

The only people who should be fearful of this policy will be those who do not care about the impact of their business on others.

The city council so needs Worcester to be a successful university city that it will doubtless be as as helpful as possible to those who are intending to provide accommodation where a need can be shown to exist.

If the impact of our university is to overload neighbourhoods and possibly severely impact on the quality of life and house prices of residents then a line in the sand has to be drawn.

ANDREW BROWN

Worcester