A fresh bid will be made to stop the rise of student ghettos and houses of multiple occupation in Falmouth.

Plans are being formed to try and implement an Article Four directive which would help curb their proliferation across the town.

Previous attempts to secure an Article 4 directive for Falmouth, following concerns that local families were being forced out of town in favour of students, had reached committee level at Cornwall Council, but ultimately failed.

The plan was not backed by Cornwall Council officers and councillors. However it has been adopted by a raft of other university towns.

With new councillors on both Falmouth Town Council and Cornwall Council it is felt that now is the time to make another push for the restrictions. Councillor Candy Atherton, who represents the Smithick ward of Falmouth on both councils, raised the issue on Monday.

Speaking at a meeting of town council’s planning committee she said the creation of the Combined Universities in Cornwall and expansion of Falmouth University |were to be celebrated, but had come with a price.

“We know it has brought economic benefits to the town, a rich diversity that adds to the character of Falmouth, and which many of us enjoy, and a new direction for many of our own young people in Cornwall who previously did not aspire to higher education,” she said.

“But, nothing comes without a downside and we all know that the proliferation of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) have created problems for both residents and students alike.

“Many of these HMOs operate well. Sadly this is not always the case. Some landlords have effectively walked away from their responsibilities and fail to take action when their tenants cause problems in the community. This poses problems for the community and is unpleasant for many students as well.

“Further, local families are unable to compete to rent a family sized home, let alone buy one. Houses in the Smithick ward were built with families in mind and yet many local people are priced out of the rental or property market.

“It would be possible for Cornwall Council to seek an Article 4 direction for Smithick ward. In this way it would be possible to work towards a good balance between HMOs and family homes – a policy that has to be good for the town and tenants.”

Councillor Atherton’s fellow councillors agreed with her sentiments, but have insisted the directive should apply to the whole town and not just one ward.

Councillor Rowenna Brock said: “There is a desperate requirement for this. Every single house that comes up for sale in Falmouth at the moment has the potential to become an HMO regardless of where it is.”

Ms Atherton is to have an informal meeting with Cornwall councillor Geoff Brown, portfolio holder for homes and communities, next week. She has the backing of her fellow town councillors who are keen to see the Article 4 directive adopted in Falmouth.

Ahead of Monday night’s debate, Councillors Steve and Vicky Eva left the chamber after declaring an interest as they have a property they rent.