Brighton and Hove Albion has been told it can run a 700-car park and ride scheme for the American Express Community Stadium.

Brighton and Hove City Council today gave permission for two years for the club to run the scheme on matchdays from Brighton Racecourse.

Last week Lewes District Council gave permission to the club to build a 650-space car park next to the stadium.

Bennett’s Field, off Village Way, can be used as a car park for three years.

A total of 26 bus journeys will be made before and after each match through Woodingdean, Falmer, Lewes Road and Elm Grove.

Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: “We are delighted that the city council has supported our application for the racecourse park and ride unanimously.

“This demonstrates the huge support the council is continuing to give the stadium.

"It is a huge asset to the city and we look forward to working in partnership with the council to make it work for the whole of the city.”

Some councillors raised concerns that the scheme would increase congestion in Woodingdean and some residents have raised fears that fans will simply park in residential roads.

However Mr Perry said it would reduce congestion at the Woodingdean crossroads by intercepting drivers coming from the east.

The scheme will be used alongside park and ride sites at Mill Road and the University of Brighton to create 1,570 park and ride spaces for visitors.

The club expects about 4,000 people to use park and ride facilities for events at the 22,500-seater stadium.