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Darlington councillors have approved tougher measures to crack down on HMOs and restrict new takeaways in parts of the town centre.
The changes are included in the borough's updated Local Plan, which was approved at a full council meeting on September 24.
It sets out how Darlington should grow and develop up to 2042.
One of the new measures is a stronger policy on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), which are properties shared by several unrelated tenants.
Council documents say the new policy will give planners more guidance when deciding applications and help address concerns about the impact of HMOs on local communities.
A HMO is defined as a property occupied by at least three people who are not from a single household but share facilities such as a bathroom and kitchen.
(Image: Stuart Boulton)
The local plan also includes new rules aimed at limiting the number of hot food takeaways and gambling premises in areas where people may be more vulnerable.
Chris McEwan, deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: "This plan gives us much stronger tools to guide how Darlington grows over the next 15 years.
"We will take a stronger approach to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), helping to ensure they are good-quality homes and protecting the balance of our communities.
"We will also limit the concentration of takeaways and gambling premises in areas where people may be more vulnerable, protect green spaces and enable developers to contribute towards healthcare.
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"This is an ambitious plan based on evidence, designed to make sure new development happens in the right places and provides the facilities our communities need."
The council received 100 responses and more than 650 comments during a public consultation on the draft plan earlier this year.
It will now be published for further consultation before being submitted to the Government.