Albion can stay at Withdean for extra year (From The Argus)

Albion can stay at Withdean for extra year

7:02pm Wednesday 18th June 2008 in News By Simon Barrett

Brighton and Hove Albion has been granted planning permission to extend its stay at Withdean stadium for three more years.

The club asked the city council to lengthen the lease until 2011 - a year after Albion is scheduled to move into a £50 million stadium at Falmer.

At a meeting today, the city council's planning committee unanimously agreed the application.

The three-year application sparked fears among fans that the club is looking at the possibility of moving into the 22,500 seat stadium a year later than planned.

But Albion chief executive Martin Perry assured supporters the club still expects to start the 2010/11 season in its new home.

He said the extra year was to give the club time to carry out essential work at Withdean, such as removing some buildings and reinstating car parks.

The Argus revealed last week that work was now not expected to begin on the new stadium at Village Way North, Falmer, until December at the earliest.

Work was originally planned to start by November but club bosses admit that is looking increasingly unlikely.

Three major contractors have been invited to submit detailed "design and build" tender documents to the club, but an announcement on the decision will not be made until September.

Albion have been without a permanent home since 1997 when the Goldstone Ground was demolished after being sold to developers by the previous board.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears finally approved plans for the Falmer stadium in July last year.