'Cautious nod' to revised plans for stadium (From The Argus)

'Cautious nod' to revised plans for stadium

10:22am Tuesday 9th December 2008 in

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An environmental campaign group has given a “cautious nod” to Albion’s revised Falmer stadium plans.

The South Downs Society, which opposed the £65 million stadium, has welcomed the club’s latest design and attempts to minimise the environmental impact.

The Argus revealed last week the main opponents to the 22,500 seat arena will not fight the revised plans.

Lewes District Council is not expected to raise any objections to the latest application the club has submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council.

The soaring price of steel and changes to stadium building regulations during years of delays to the project have meant changes have had to be made to the stadium design first lodged in 2001.

The move raised fears that opponents would again try to derail Albion’s plans.

But Lewes council officers have recommended to its planning applications committee that the council raise no objection to the changes.

Now Richard Partridge, the planning committee chairman for the South Downs Society, has said: “We’re not happy with anything that damages the Downs for future generations.

But we welcome the fact the club does recognise the environmental impact of the stadium and is making efforts to minimise it.”

Albion hope to kick off the 2011-12 season in the 22,500 seater stadium.