Stadium inquiry under way

The club, backed by the city council and a 62,000-signature petition, say the land off Village Way North is the only suitable site for a new stadium. Its opponents aim to save the Downs from 'vandalism', and Falmer from a 25,000-seat stadium within a few hundred yards of the picturesque village pond.

The inquiry into the city council's planning go-ahead for the stadium on the Brighton boundary with Lewes district is expected to last several weeks. This week has seen evidence for the scheme from technical witnesses, and representatives of the Football League and the Football Association.

Football pundit Des Lynam is due to speak on the club's behalf next week, then the inquiry adjourns until March 18 when the city council justifies its support for the Falmer site.

Falmer and Rottingdean parish councils, Lewes District Council, Sport England and the Countryside Agency will then put up 16 witnesses for the opposition. Among them will be Lewes MP Norman Baker and Nobel Prize winner Professor Sir Harry Kroto, who will give the academic view.

Sussex University, the Society of Sussex Downsmen, Sussex Police, the Council for the Protection of Rural England and individual objectors are also expected to give their views. The inquiry is due to last until April 4, but more sittings could be scheduled.

A community stadium at Village Way North was backed in a petition by almost 62,000 supporters, and overwhelmingly by leading city councillors of all parties.

But opponents say planners have ignored the impact a stadium (which may also host pop concerts) will have on residents and the environment. Falmer villagers in particular are concerned about light and noise pollution, and the possibility of massed parked cars around the pond.

A decision will not be known until the autumn and, depending on the level of controversy the inquiry generates, it may not come from the inquiry inspector, but from Westminster.