Landlords representing more than 100 properties have submitted objections to a £100,000 alleygating scheme planned for South Belfast's Holylands area.
The city council plans to install 25 alleygates in the mainly student area at locations between Agincourt Avenue and Dudley Street in the latest phase of the scheme.
Residents and councillors have expressed support for the plans, saying that more alleygates will help tackle anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.
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But a group representing landlords said a "large number" have formally raised concerns as they fear access to their properties will be restricted during repair works.
In a statement the Landlords Association for Northern Ireland said: "We believe there were a large number of landlords and agents (more than 100 properties) objected to the alleygates in the lower, Lagan-side streets of university area.
"LANI members and other landlords initially welcomed the scheme, but council despite verbal assurances, couldn't ensure that the alleyway would remain unobstructed to enable access for repairs by themselves and contractors."
It said the "only option for the majority stakeholders in the area was to object and hopefully Belfast City Council will amend the proposal so that LANI and other landlords can support it".
Brid Ruddy, of the College Park Avenue Residents' Association, said she was "gobsmacked" to learn of the objections.
"It's a very popular scheme and most landlords in other areas, they would be in favour," she said.
Ms Ruddy, who helped create the Holylands' award-winning Wildflower Alley, said the first phase of alleygating in the area has had a "positive" impact.
"It doesn't cure all, but at least you know you're not going to get the drug dealers in it," she said.
"It does stop an awful lot of anti-social behaviour and it certainly does stop robberies."
The latest plans followed the Department for Communities awarding the council £100,000 last year for an "alleyway improvement scheme".
Alliance councillor Micky Murray said: "The alleygating scheme is proven to reduce fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, and therefore would be a tremendous asset to the area."
He claimed many of those objecting "don't live in the area", adding: "It would be a real shame if this turns out to be a case of who shouts the loudest gets their way.
"The positive impact of this scheme within the community is clear and undeniable, and should hold more weight."
Mr Murray praised those residents who have "spearheaded" community regeneration work in the Holylands.
"From Wildflower Alley to Horsey Hill and the chatty bench, the residents have been at the forefront of community regeneration in the area," he added.
SDLP councillor Gary McKeown said the latest alleygating scheme is a "no-brainer" to help tackle fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.
"I have seen piles of rubbish dumped in these entries that can only be described as mountains, and this is really unfair on both residents and council workers who have to clear it," he said.
"I don't think anyone is suggesting that alleygates will resolve everything, which is why I, along with a number of other elected reps, have been pushing for a more strategic approach to addressing the challenges the area faces, but it would certainly help and I think if residents want them, they should get them.
"The funding is there, so for this not to proceed would be looking a gift horse in the mouth."
A Belfast City Council spokesman said: "Elected members have approved the installation of 25 alleygates, funded by the Department for Communities, at locations between Agincourt Avenue and Dudley Street.
"As part of the legal process for alleygating, the council must consult all residents and businesses who may be affected by the installation of an alleygate and give them an opportunity to comment on the proposals.
"This consultation is currently ongoing and is due to close at the end of July.
"A report on feedback received during the consultation will then be brought to elected members on the People and Communities Committee for further consideration and to decide the next steps in the process."
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