South Downs Campaign

Campaigners for a South Downs national park were opposed to both the proposed sites for a new stadium for the Albion at Falmer.

The South Downs Campaign, an umbrella group of conservationists and environmentalists, said the original proposal for a site at Village Way North was unacceptable, while the Village Way South location was worse because it is higher up the Downs and would make the stadium more visible.

South Downs Campaign chairman Robin Crane said the new site was "much worse than the original proposals which were themselves unacceptable.

"The club is suggesting leapfrogging Village Way into virgin AONB land, which should be in the new national park. It is clearly unacceptable and we will fight these proposals all the way."

Here, we publish a letter to The Argus by Chris Todd, campaign officer for the South Downs Campaign.

The Argus is quite right to say that nothing should be built north of the bypass (Voice of the Argus, 17 July). If it is, where will it stop? Pyecombe, Clayton? For once development gets a toe-hold north of the bypass, the precedent will be set and there will be no stopping it.

Ken Bodfish's idea to look at Waterhall for the stadium site seems to be more about getting unacceptable development such as park & ride and large retail sheds built on the Downs before a National Park is in place. He appears to hope that he can sneak it in on the back of the need to find the Albion a new home.

This is a pity as I thought he genuinely cared for the South Downs. But I'm afraid his statements about the National Park stifling the prosperity of our city fill me with horror (Argus, July 18). What does he mean? That we can never draw a line on the Downs and say enough is enough? For if we don't we might as well not bother with a National Park, or any other protective designation, and bring the bulldozers in straight away.

The reality is, you either protect the South Downs or you don't. You can't agree to a National Park and then try pushing the boundaries back every few years because it might 'stifle' the city. This is not protecting the Downs, it is just slowing down their eventual destruction.

However, I agree with Ken Bodfish that now is an opportunity to subject alternative sites to proper public scrutiny. Something that has not happened before.

Shoreham Harbour is probably the most practical option, even if it would take slightly longer to build, and should be reconsidered as should all other brownfield site options.

The club have already shifted the goal posts by proposing Village Way South, which should be in the National Park. This was not the site voted for in the referendum, so why stop there?

History should have taught us one thing: not to rush decisions on the Albion. This is what's caused the problems to start with. Firstly with the sale of the Goldstone, then choosing Village Way North and the recent sudden change to Village Way South.

Given the Albion already have a home in Brighton & Hove, it's worth taking the time to get the new stadium site right.

• The South Downs Campaign is a network of more than 20 national and local organisations, including the Council for National Parks, Council for the Protection of Rural England, Friends of the earth, Ramblers' Association, RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, Society of Sussex Downsmen and Sussex Archaeological Society.