Brighton's stadium gets go-ahead

Brighton and Hove Albion FC has been given the go-ahead to build a multi-million pound 22,000 seater stadium in Falmer.
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears gave the project planning approval on Tuesday.

The League One side, who currently play at the Withdean Stadium, have been without a permanent home since 1997.

And in 2005 it thought it had won its battle to build the arena, but an error led to the decision being quashed.

The planning application for a new ground on land north of Village Way, in Falmer, has been through two public inquiries.

It was opposed by some residents, the parish council, Lewes council and conservation groups because of its proximity to the South Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Changes announced earlier this month to the boundaries for a South Downs National Park mean a stadium coach park at Falmer no longer falls within the proposed park.

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Huge congratulations to the Seagulls on this, my former local team have been playing at an athletics stadium with temporary stands for years and this is the news that they have been desperate for. And for the groundhoppers among you, a new one to visit!