STUDENTS are opposing housing restrictions they claim could impact on them.
Hull University Union (HUU) will take a petition to the full city council meeting next month to voice their concerns.
The council wants to impose an Article 4 directive in the Newland area, which is heavily populated by students.
Article 4 is a planning legislation that gives local authorities the means to control the number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in their area.
If imposed, it would require a new planning application to be made to the council to change a house to a small HMO – such as a student house.
HUU officers say imposing the legislation would have a negative impact on the student community, as well as local businesses, in the streets surrounding the university.
Brittany Tomlinson, vice-president for welfare and community at HUU, said: "The students in this city feel proud to call Hull home and the Students' Union fosters a sense of community in our students from the moment they arrive on campus.
"It is disappointing that councillors are jeopardising the significant economic and cultural benefits that students bring to this area and worrying to see that they are choosing to waste council resources on this politicised legislation."
If implemented, the fear from the union is it would drive student residents out into areas of higher deprivation and a greater distance from the university, which would mean a loss of community spirit.
Housing in these areas could also become less desirable to private landlords.
And students fear businesses that predominantly rely on their trade will also suffer.
Richard Brooks, president at HUU, said: "Hull University Union is in the top four Students' Unions in the country.
"I think this is a testament to the fantastic work of HUU sabbatical officers, staff and student volunteers who feel passionately about making sure students in Hull have the best experience possible.
"The university and the union contribute everything from employment opportunities to outreach programmes with schools. It's a shame Northern and Wyke councillors are choosing to ignore this."
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