A developer trying to build homes for 252 students has offered to stop most of them bringing cars to university.

MIA Developments wants to turn a Grade II-listed factory in Tudor Road, Leicester, into a student block.

But their planning application was rejected by councillors, who feared rowdy behaviour and parking chaos would ruin the lives of the existing residents.

Yesterday, a three-day public inquiry began, in which Leicester City Council and the developer will give their evidence to a Government planning inspector to resolve the case. Just five minutes before the hearing began, both sides agreed there would be no parking problem if the number of cars was limited to 35.

That would mean strict tenancy contracts preventing the residents at the former Threads shoe factory owning a car, even though there are currently no parking restrictions on the streets.

The inquiry continues today as the council tries to prevent the building going ahead because of the noise problems.

Suella Fernandes, the lawyer acting for the council, said: "The question for this inquiry to answer is whether the arrival of 252 students at Tudor Road would cause an unacceptable loss of amenity to the existing local residents.

"Simply put, is this number of students appropriate in this location, given the different lifestyles and needs of the different groups involved?

"The area is currently home to predominantly young families and the elderly and it is highly likely that the students will cause noise and disturbance."

She said there was currently an over-supply of student flats in the city.

But John Edmond, the lawyer for the developers, said the development was a good way to save the Victorian building.

He said: "The building is no longer suitable for industrial use.

"The proposal would bring life to a listed building and the council only has the incorrect assertions that proper building management cannot alleviate problems associated with boisterous behaviour."

Speaking about the parking deal, he said: "Through their tenancy agreements, only 35 dwellings will be allowed to have a car.

"If the car park in Vernon Street is also available that number could increase to 47."

He said the developers would also contribute £10,000 for the council to review parking rules in the area around the site.