Brighton and Hove Albion have been given the green light to plan a state-of-the-art training ground off the A27.

The Seagulls want to build a hightech complex between Shoreham Airport and Lancing, on a site previously earmarked for community sports pitches.

Landowner Adur District Council has backed the proposal at a meeting of its joint strategic committee with Wor thing Borough Council.

A planning application for the site at New Monks Farm, off Mash Barn Lane, Lancing, is expected to be submitted by the end of the year.

The spot was chosen ahead of three other possible locations, at Sheepcote Valley, Hickstead and Waterhall.

Albion have offered to help provide community sports pitches at another site in the area.

The multi-million pound training complex would include eight pitches.

One would be the exact size and specifications of the pitch at the American Express Community Stadium.

No cost predictions are available but previous reports have suggested the price could reach £15 million.

An additional indoor 3G pitch, with artificial grass, is planned to enable the club to win FA academy status for its youth development.

At present the club runs centres of excellence in Wor thing, Eastbourne and at the University of Sussex, where the team trains.

Planned accommodation would enable youths or players to stay at the site.

The complex would also involve a gym, physiotherapy facilities and parking.

Albion chief executive Martin Perry welcomed a “positive response” from councillors and council officers.

He said: “We have been searching for a site to house a state-of-the-art training facility and youth academy, and the site at New Monks Farm is ideal.”

Adur District Council leader Neil Parkin said he was “surprised and delighted” by the club’s plan.

He said: “This would really help to put Adur on the map and give us a g reat opportunity to regenerate this area for the benefit of the whole district."