A new Albion stadium will bring 600 jobs, millions of pounds, community pride and a new sense of self-esteem to Brighton and Hove, a new report says.

City council deputy chief executive Alan McCarthy is due to present his findings to a special meeting of the powerful policy committee today.

Councillors at the meeting, which will be held partly in private, will also be asked to approve proposals including an arrangement to allow more land to be used by the club.

This includes Woollard's Field off Lewes Road, which is owned by the city council and East Sussex County Council.

There are sites at Sussex University and Falmer School which are needed for parking.

Albion also have to reach agreement with Brighton University over land needed for the stadium itself.

Mr McCarthy warned it was essential to put forward a solid business case in order to convince the inspector at a public inquiry, starting on February 18, that planning permission should be granted.

Last year the planning committee agreed to the stadium at Falmer but the bid was called in for an inquiry by the Government.

Mr McCarthy said the scheme was likely to bring big community benefits to Brighton and Hove.

He added: "It includes tangible benefits such as jobs through to much less easily measured factors such as esteem, pride and a sense of belonging."

Among the likely benefits are a study support centre, a learning skills training centre, a sports medicine unit, conference areas, a creche and a venue which could be used for international sporting fixtures and entertainment.

Space will also be made available for community groups and organisations to use the stadium.

Mr McCarthy said the stadium would bring in £2.61 million business from visitors directly into the economy. A further £13 million would be injected into the local economy from the stadium, partly through an increase in the club's turnover.

He added: "The proposed community stadium at Falmer will act as a catalyst to the continued regeneration of East Brighton."