The stadium would be three times the size of the club's current home

Brighton and Hove Albion football club must now wait to hear if they are to be given permission to build the stadium in the Falmer area of the city.

A report will be submitted to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, whose verdict is expected by the end of the year.

The inquiry, which started in February, has heard testimonies from groups including the club, Falmer Parish Council and the Countryside Agency.

Des Lynam

Many Falmer residents have opposed the plans because of fears the stadium would have a negative impact on the surrounding environment.

The site at Village Way North is close to the South Downs and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The application has been backed by David Davies of the Football Association and television presenter and Albion fan Des Lynam.

The Seagulls have already had to modify their proposals because of concerns over access rights raised by Brighton University, which owns part of the proposed site.

Permanent home

Brighton and Hove Albion has been without a permanent home since their former chairman sold the Goldstone Ground, which closed in 1997 and is now the site of a retail park.

The Seagulls currently play home games at the Withdean Stadium - an athletics stadium holding fewer than 7,000 people - but want to build a bigger and permanent home in Falmer.

Proposals for the site include banqueting suites, a creche, teaching space for Brighton University, office space for the club, a coach park and car parks.

The club was granted planning permission for the stadium in June 2002 but the decision was called in for a public inquiry by the government.