Few clubs have more loyal fans than Brighton and Hove Albion. Three thousand have told Brighton and Hove City Council they want more seats at the Withdean stadium.

These enthusiasts have outnumbered concerned local residents worried that Withdean football fans will bring more trouble and traffic problems.

City planners have to decide on Wednesday whether to approve the application for almost 2,000 more people at home matches.

They must also decide whether to extend permission for another two years.

In each case the answer must be yes provided safeguards are put into place to protect the residents from disturbance.

But most of all these applications demonstrate the urgent need for a permanent stadium at Falmer.