The expansion of the American Express Community Stadium moved a major step forward after university bosses gave their backing to the plans.

The University of Brighton had originally objected to Brighton and Hove Albion proposals to expand the ground to 30,750 seats but have now officially changed their stance.

The university has joined several other bodies in removing initial objections to the plans following further discussions with the club.

Southern Railway and Network Rail originally objected in February over concerns about how they would cope with extra passengers but following discussions with the club they now have no objections.

As part of the planning agreement, the club could spend about £200,000 improving Falmer station to create a second exit from platform one and widening part of the platform.

The plans have also received the backing of a number of key bodies, including Sussex Enterprise, Natural England, Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove Bus Company.

Coldean Residents’ Association has objected to the plans because of concerns over parking in their streets.

Ward councillors Anne Meadows, MoMarsh and Jeane Lepper have also requested that residential roads should be monitored by stewards and have more signage deterring football supporters from parking there.

In an initial response to plans set to be discussed at a city council planning committee next Wednesday, the University of Brighton objected to the disruption to access to its campus and described the expansion as “premature”.

The university said that activities at sporting facilities, evening classes and library facilities at its Falmer campus had been cancelled on Albion match days.

Now the university has given its backing to the proposals as long as traffic problems can be ironed out.

A spokeswoman said: “The University of Brighton is keen to support Brighton and Hove Albion’s plans to increase capacity at its stadium.

“However, as its very close neighbour we are particularly affected by traffic congestion issues which we have been working with the club and council to resolve.

“We are very hopeful of a quick resolution to allow the council to grant planning permission.”

A University of Sussex spokesman said: “Throughout the planning and construction of the new stadium, our key interest was to ensure that the impact on transport was properly considered by Brighton and Hove City Council and Brighton and Hove Albion FC.

“We would expect the council and the football club to be again addressing this as a key priority as the club seeks permission for its expansion plans.”