The outcome of the Falmer stadium inquiry could be known by August, John Prescott's office has said.

From tonight, no more evidence will be accepted on Brighton and Hove Albion's plan for a 23,000-capacity ground on the edge of the city.

Mr Prescott and his advisers will consider submissions on the proposals and reach a verdict.

It was thought the announcement would come either before Parliament breaks for its summer recess next month or shortly after MPs return at the end of September.

However, a spokesman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) told The Argus it could instead be disclosed in August. A date for the decision had still not been determined.

The spokesman said: "Decisions can be taken over the summer. "Last August, a similar decision was taken over an asylum centre in Oxfordshire.

"All decisions that come to us to make are invariably large, complex and often controversial and lots of people are keen to know the outcome.

"Rather than hold back for Parliament to be in session, it will be communicated to the appellants and the planning authority so everyone will be kept in the loop.

"After that, for everyone who asks for a copy of the decision we will gladly provide it."

He said in certain circumstances, parties could seek a judicial review to challenge the decision.

A judge could not overturn the decision but could quash it on the basis of a technicality and ask the Deputy Prime Minister to reconsider.

The inquiry began in February 2003 and was due to be tied up within six weeks. Had this happened, a decision from the ODPM could have been anticipated in January this year.

However, the inquiry briefly reconvened last autumn.

Then, in the wake of remarks by planning inspector Charles Hoile, who said the site was unsuitable, Mr Prescott invited all the parties who spoke at the inquiry to make further comments.

These statements were then sent out for a final round of consultation, which concludes today.

Friday June 18, 2004