Campaigners backing a new football stadium at Falmer were stunned yesterday when the Government agreed to grant Lewes District Council more time to object to the plans.

Ruth Kelly, Communities and Local Government Secretary, made the decision to the bitter disappointment of longsuffering Brighton and Hove Albion fans.

The decision raises the possibility of the public inquiry being re-opened.

The Argus revealed on Saturday that Albion's Falmer dream had moved a step closer because a date had been set for written representations to be handed to the Government, which is reconsidering the club's application for a stadium.

But yesterday Ms Kelly confirmed she had agreed to Lewes District Council's request to extend the December 28 deadline until February 15. The council can now submit new evidence on an alternative site at Sheepcote Valley, despite the inspector at the last public inquiry concluding that transport concerns made the site unworkable and that no site other than Falmer was likely to be granted planning permission.

Albion's chief executive Martin Perry said: "This is undeniably a setback and we are surprised and disappointed that the extension now gives Lewes the chance to submit new evidence on Sheepcote Valley.

"However, we are ready and we stand by our evidence that Falmer is without doubt the only viable site for the community stadium. Every week this drags on is hurting us financially."

He claimed Lewes council "did not care about the 40-odd thousand supporters who love the club, nearly 400 jobs that will be lost, or more than 13,000 kids who benefit from our schemes in the community.

In their own words the gloves are off and we are now seeing what they meant by that."

Despite Lewes insisting it did not want the public inquiry to be re-opened, campaigners fear the submission of new evidence could lead Ms Kelly to do just that.

Simon Burgess, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "It is very disappointing.

"The reality is that if Lewes had stopped playing games months ago we wouldn't be here now going over the same old arguments.

"I'm just very angry for all the supporters.

These constant delays are hurting the club financially and draining everyone's spirits but I remain confident that Falmer will be approved."

Seagulls fans' hopes of a decision by March have been dented by the news.

The best they can hope for now is a decision in late summer when Ms Kelly will either make a decision on the evidence or re-open the public inquiry.

Falmer For All campaigner Ed Bassford said: "The argument against Sheepcote Valley will stand up to any scrutiny. It is a fight Lewes cannot win."

Lewes council yesterday claimed victory in the long-running saga.

Planning councillor David Neighbour said: "The club knew it was taking a big risk going for a site in the proposed National Park. We are not surprised the Government now realises it should look again at the alternatives."