Supporters and environmentalists have given a big thumbs down to Sheepcote Valley as a possible site for a football stadium.

Ivor Caplin MP and Lord Bassam of Brighton donned large foam hands, mementoes of Albion's 1983 FA Cup campaign, to show what they thought of a planning inspector's recommendation.

Charles Hoile, reviewing Brighton and Hove's local plan, has said Sheepcoate Valley is preferable to Falmer as a location for a stadium.

The politicians, respective former leaders of Hove and Brighton Borough Councils disagree.

The east Brighton beauty spot is a haven for migrating birds as well as being a large community open space with playing fields.

Lord Bassam said the main issue was its transport links.

He said: "This is a completely inappropriate suggestion by the inspector.

"I do not see how 4,500 to 5,000 cars could come here - and that's the number of spaces we would need.

"There is no railway within four and a half miles and no way we could transport the volumes needed by bus.

"Part of this site is likely to be within the South Downs national park and there would be opposition from the friends of Sheepcote."

Mr Caplin said: "It shows the inspector's lack of understanding of the geography of Brighton and Hove.

"The city has gone through a five-year process to deliver a community stadium as a home for the Albion. His suggestion that Sheepcote is a better option is, frankly, ridiculous.

"Bournemouth's stadium is holding three days of concerts, including pop and Russell Watson. That's the sort of thing we ought to be able to provide here but can't."

Bernard Evans, secretary of the Friends of Sheepcote Valley, said: "I don't believe the Falmer inspector has done his homework. He should have checked his facts before suggesting the valley. Sheepcote just isn't suitable for many, many reasons - nature conservation being just one of them.

"There is no rail link and the road from the bypass through Woodingdean simply could not carry the amount of traffic this stadium would generate.

"A previous public inquiry has already ruled against development and we now have a very real chance of being included in the South Downs national park."

Paul Samrah, chairman of Falmer For All, said: "Far more residents would be affected here. The nearest neighbours to Falmer have already given their consent and there's no way the people here would."