The Residential Landlords Association has praised David Cameron for his opposition to government proposals to use planning legislation as a way of breaking up the areas of shared student housing that surround the UK’s universities and colleges.

An Early Day Motion from the Tory leader has called for the revocation of an order – due to come into effect on 6 April – which aims to do this by introducing changes to the definition of ‘houses in multiple occupation’ and related planning issues.

In a letter to shadow housing minister Grant Shapps, today, RLA chairman Alan Ward says: “We want to seek clarification on your own proposals to implement a ‘lighter touch solution’ which would enable councils to identify areas in their own local plans.”

The new development comes on the heels of a protest petition – placed on the No. 10 website by the RLA this weekend – which has already gathered more than 1,200 signatures within 24 hours.

Communities and Local Government announced its plans for a new Use Classes Order, earlier this year, as a way of countering local ‘problems’. The order comes into effect on 6 April and will mean that landlords need planning permission to rent a property to three nurses wanting to share a property – or any other group of tenants not forming a family.

The Residential Landlords Association condemned the move as “deplorable and draconian” – accusing CLG of attempting to define how and where people are allowed to live.

“This is a dangerous use of planning legislation for social engineering – to prevent students from living close to their university and other social groups such as young professionals and immigrant workers,” said Alan Ward. “In the process it will destroy entire local economies of shops, restaurants and bars that have grown up to serve their needs.”