The proposed stadium would hold 22,000 fans

The club wants to build a new home ground at Falmer, close to the proposed boundaries for the South Downs National Park.

The plans would mean the stadium's coach park falling within the boundaries of the park, giving credence to those who object to the stadium being built.

But the football club is arguing the boundary does not meet criteria set out by the Countryside Agency.

The club has been without a permanent home since the Goldstone Ground closed in 1997 and its plans to build at Falmer have been backed by councillors.

Boundary 'against guidelines'

But some people living in and around the Falmer area have objected to the idea of a 22,000-seater football stadium in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

The consultation period for the National Park boundaries closes on Friday and anyone with views on the plans has until then to send them to the Countryside Agency.

Albion bosses are urging their fans to object to the boundary line drawn around Village Way at Falmer.

They say it would create an annexed area of land next to the stadium separated from the National Park by surrounding roads and with no recognised means of access.

They also say the line goes against the Countryside Agency's guidelines implying boundaries must fall on relevant lines such as roads or hedgerows.

Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "Supporters have been fantastic in the way they have responded to the club's requests to write to the council in support of our application.

"This is another important step in that process, but this time it involves writing to the Countryside Agency. We call on all fans to respond in the same magnificent way."