The Albion will finally submit a planning application for a new stadium on Monday.

The club has decided to opt for the site at Falmer on Village Way North on land partly owned by Brighton and Hove City Council and the University of Brighton.

The council is likely to agree to eight acres of the site being sold for a stadium but no agreement has yet been reached with the university.

A university spokesman said: "Negotiations are still continuing."

The development would be a community stadium which could house other events. Full details of the size and capacity and associated developments at the site have yet to be released.

The site itself is a sloping field bordered by the A27 Brighton to Lewes road.

It is currently just outside the proposed boundaries of the South Downs National Park, while the Albion's preferred site at Village Way South, 200 yards towards the sea, where there is more space, is inside the proposed boundaries.

The chances of getting permission to build a stadium within national park boundaries would have been virtually nil.

The Albion faces strong opposition from conservationists, Falmer Parish Council, Lewes District Council and local campaigners who have in the past won their fight against any development on or close to the Sussex Downs.

Albion fans are also split on the choice, with many hoping the club will eventually find a site at Waterhall, close to its stadium at Withdean.

The existing stadium has a maximum capacity of 7,030 and is far too small for a club that could be playing in Division One next season and even knocking on the door of the Premiership.

The Albion has spent three years preparing detailed studies before submitting the application.

Albion chief executive Martin Perry kept to his word that an announcement about the application would be made before last night's top-of-the-table clash with Brentford.

A statement from the club said: "The application will not be available for public viewing immediately because the council needs a short period to check and register the documents.

"As soon as it has been registered it will be given a planning application number and anyone who wishes to view the application can see it at Hove Town Hall."

The club will be exhibiting the proposals and the model of the development will be put on display in the near future.

Mr Perry said: "This has been a marathon task but it was essential that the application covered all the important issues relating to the site and we are confident it will succeed."

One of the strongest opponents of the scheme is John Woodruff, landlord of the Swan Inn, Falmer, whose family have lived in the area for over 100 years.

He said: "You ask nine out of ten Albion fans where they want a stadium and they say Waterhall."