Brighton and Hove Albion's new stadium at Falmer has overcome the last remaining hurdle.

The football club is due to receive confirmation on Wednesday that it has been granted planning permission for the 22,500 seat ground, bringing an end to a four year legal battle.

Their attention can now be turned to gathering finances and getting construction underway at the site next to the University of Brighton. The stadium is expected to be completed by 2010.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears gave the scheme her rubber-stamp in July, prompting tentative celebrations from fans.

But their joy was contained because there remained a six week period when objectors could lodge legal challenges against Mrs Blears' decision.

The final day of that period passed on Tuesday and her department said that no appeals had been received.

Paul Samrah, chairman of the Falmer For All campaign, said: "This is a truly momentous day. I am really overwhelmed. Years and years of hard work and hundreds of people have gone towards achieving this and now, finally, everyone who has worked for it can celebrate in style."

An Albion spokesman said the club was awaiting written confirmation that there were no appeals before it launched into celebrations.

He said many remained cautious after celebrating when deputy prime minister John Prescott approved the scheme in 2005, only for it to be challenged on a legal detail by Lewes District Council.

This time the council has ruled out another appeal, as have fellow opponents Falmer Parish Council and the South Downs Society.

Mr Samrah said: "Everyone who has worked for this, who has made a banner, joined a march, written postcards or letters or anything else, can feel truly proud of themselves. They have earned this.

"Liverpool fans will see their club move into a stadium within three years of it being proposed. We have had to wait ten years to get this far, a lot of fans elsewhere would never have fought for it the way we have.

"There are more hurdles to overcome, there will be fund-raising and I'm sure there are going to be obstacles but we have planning permission now and they can't take that away from us."

- See Thursday's Argus for reaction from Brighton and Hove Albion.