The future of Brighton and Hove's planned stadium hung on a knife-edge today as a planning inspector decided whether to allow three months' extra time.

The club yesterday made a surprise plea to delay the public inquiry into its £48 million project to allow differences with the University of Brighton to be resolved.

The hearing was told this morning that if the delay was not agreed, the club would pull out of plans for a ground at Falmer.

Chief executive Martin Perry said: "In the evidence submitted to the inquiry by the University of Brighton they identified concerns about access to the stadium.

"Since then, the club has attempted to resolve this matter but it has not been possible to find a solution in the time available.

"The club has reached agreement over all issues with the council but this outstanding access issue is preventing the completion of documents needed for the inquiry.

"The club believes the only way forward is to submit an additional application for a modified access in a form which meets the university's concerns.

"The club obviously regrets this further delay but we must make sure we have reached agreement on all issues."

The club and university have been locked in talks for months, with the club unable to satisfy university concerns about the £48 million project.

The university, which owns about one third of the Village Way North site, wants tough legal safeguards to make sure its day-to-day operations will not be affected by the 22,000-seat football ground.