The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has praised Conservative leader 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, RLA chairman Alan Ward said: “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 gathered more than 1,200 signatures within 24 hours.

Communities and Local Government (CLG) announced its plans for a new Use Classes Order, earlier this year, as a way of countering local ‘problems’. It will mean that landlords need planning permission to rent a property to any other group of tenants not forming a family such as students, nurses etc.

The RLA condemned the move as ‘deplorable and draconian’ and accused the CLG of attempting to define how and where people are allowed to live.

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

• A new scheme to provide a set of property and management standards for private landlords has been launched in Wakefield.

The scheme has been developed by a partnership between responsible local landlords and Wakefield Council’s Strategic Housing Service.

A list of accredited landlords and properties will be created and displayed on the council’s website and in drop in centres for people to check.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, said: “The scheme is designed to improve and promote private sector housing conditions.

Its aim is to provide tenants with confidence in the quality and management of the accommodation they are renting.”

The scheme was launched with a meeting with representatives from the council and the police, West Yorkshire Fire Service, Springs Advice Centre, The National Landlords Association, The Open Door Project, Housing Benefits and the Valuations Office.