The public inquiry

After years of delays, Brighton and Hove Albion FC appear to be approaching the home straight in their quest for a new home.

The inquiry into Albion's new, state-of-the-art stadium on the outskirts of the city first opened in February 2003 and concluded in October.

It had been called after objections from local councils, residents and conservationists.

It had to be reopened under the Deputy Prime Minister's orders in January 2005 to iron out the remaining issue: was there another suitable site in the city?

Fighting the corner for Albion have been FA chief executive David Davies and TV football pundit and lifelong Seagulls supporter Des Lynam.

Opponents have included the Society of Sussex Downsmen and the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

Brighton and Hove City Council had granted planning permission in June 2002 after its planning committee overwhelmingly approved in principle the club's preferred choice to build at Village Way North, Falmer.

At that stage the club had intended to build the 22,000-seat stadium to be ready for the start of the 2005-06 season.