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

He has urged Seagulls fans to write to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to express their anger after a Local Plan Inspector advised against the scheme.

Mr Prescott will make the final decision over the plans which have been the subject of a public inquiry.

Mr Knight said: "This report completely disregards overwhelming public support for the stadium."

Planning report

A report submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council advised against giving the stadium plan the go-ahead.

Mr Knight said the report "should not be allowed to influence Mr Prescott's decision".

He added: "I call on all Albion fans to write to him urgently."

Martin Perry, Brighton's chief executive, said: "I find it very surprising that a report like this has been released ahead of the Deputy Prime Minister making his decision.

"I am sure that the Deputy Prime Minister will take fully into account the evidence that was put before the inquiry which the Local Plan Inspector seems to have ignored."

Environmental concerns

A nine-month public inquiry into plans for the 22,000-seater stadium ended in October last year.

Brighton and Hove Albion have been without a permanent home since their Goldstone ground was sold for redevelopment in 1997.

Many Falmer residents have opposed plans for the new stadium because of environmental concerns.

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