NEW laws could tackle the "studentification" of inner-city Nottingham.

The Government is looking at ways to reduce the impact of the huge growth in student accommodation in areas such as Lenton, which has caused problems for local people.

Services and shops have declined, fast food outlets have proliferated and antisocial behaviour and crime have increased.

Housing and planning minister Caroline Flint is considering measures including requiring landlords to seek planning permission to let to multiple occupants, something Nottingham City Council and resident have been campaigning for.

Maya Fletcher, chairman of the Nottingham Action Group, said: "The devil is in the detail and we don't know exactly what the minister has in mind but it is positive."

However, she said the law would not be retrospective so it would not ease current problems. The city council already requires some landlords to be licensed and maintain their properties.