The impact of floodlighting on people living near Brighton and Hove Albion's proposed 22,000-seater stadium would be minimal, according to an expert.

Ken Wade, of consultants WSP Environmental, was giving evidence on day nine of the public inquiry into Brighton and Hove Albion's plans to move to Falmer.

Mr Wade took light measurements around the earmarked site in Village Way and said the area already suffered from a degree of light pollution because of the railway, the A27 and Brighton University campus.

He said: "It could hardly be described as a rural area because of its character. There are floodlit tennis courts to the western boundary with approximately 100 floodlights, which I observed in operation until approximately 9pm.

"They did not have shields. These provide significant glow when viewed from Village Way and contribute light-spill to the proposed site.

"It is evident the proposed site is currently subjected to a variety of light sources from the north, south and west contributing to a semi-urban landscape.

"It would not be lit with architectural lighting, which sometimes happens in cities to create a landmark. It would be lit purely for the purpose of the matches or what takes place in the stadium."

Mr Wade said the stadium would only produce one tenth of the permitted light pollution for an area adjacent to a National Park or area of outstanding natural beauty.

He added his calculations did not even take into account proposed shielding of the stadium by trees, which would minimise the impact further.

Mr Wade, who was called to give evidence by the club, said he also looked at other sites around the city which were put forward as potential homes for the Albion.

He said he believed Falmer was the best option for minimising light pollution on the environment, residential areas and historic buildings.

Planning inspector John Collyer will send his recommendations to the Government in the summer and a decision is expected in the autumn.