Falmer is the only realistic location for Brighton and Hove Albion's new stadium, a transport consultant has said.

Mark Leigh ruled out Shoreham Harbour and Sheepcote Valley as possible sites, saying both were too isolated from the public transport network to reduce car use.

Other suggested sites, such as the Hove Greyhound Stadium and Toad's Hole Valley, were equally unsuitable.

Giving evidence on the sixth day of the public inquiry into the stadium plans, he said Falmer had "locational advantages" over the proposed alternatives.

Roger Curtis, representing the Society of Sussex Downsmen, argued the club could build the proposed 22,000-seat stadium at Shoreham Harbour.

But Mr Leigh said: "Falmer is a better site than Shoreham Harbour.

"Shoreham Harbour is not a site where we could put in a sustainable transport strategy."

He said any site in the urban area would create transport problems.

The club hopes more than half the fans visiting the proposed Village Way North stadium would use public transport rather than cars.

Richard Allden, representing the Council for the Protection of Rural England, said people living in Falmer village, Woodingdean, Rottingdean and Ovingdean were concerned about the amount of traffic that would be generated by the stadium.

Mr Leigh said nobody would be disadvantaged by the development.

Car use could be controlled and a majority of fans would be encouraged to walk, cycle or use buses and trains to reach the stadium.

Only vehicles carrying three or more people would be able to use dedicated car parks near the stadium or match-day park-and-ride sites.

Objector Hazel McKay told the Hove Town Hall hearing the club's sustainable transport objectives could not be achieved.

She said: "This proposal does not make a contribution to sustainability in terms of reducing emissions and reducing the use of non-renewable resources."

Mr Leigh said there would be a "great increase in traffic inconvenience" at any of the alternative sites, especially those closer to the city centre.

Mr Leigh spent more than a day giving evidence on the club's transport plans.

He said the rail and bus network could cater for the number of fans expected to use the stadium. The club had been successful in reducing car use at Withdean and the same tactics could be employed at Falmer.

Opponents said Falmer was the worst location for a stadium and the club was being too optimistic about cutting car use.

The inquiry is expected to last until April.

Planning inspector John Collyer will send his report and recommendations to the Government in the summer.

A final decision is expected in September or October.