Planning permission for the stadium was first applied for in 2001

The Labour Party's annual conference is taking place at the Brighton Centre this week.

A fans' spokesman said they wanted to make politicians aware of the campaign in a "humorous, witty, colourful and entirely peaceful manner".

John Prescott is due to decide whether Brighton can build a ground at Falmer.

Inquiry to reopen

The club has been without a permanent home since the Goldstone Ground closed in 1997 and currently plays home matches at the Withdean Stadium - an athletics stadium with a capacity of about 7,000.

It wants to build a 22,000 capacity stadium close to the city's two universities at Falmer.

A lengthy public inquiry has been held into whether the scheme should go ahead, with some local residents objecting to the plans.

It will be re-opened in January when a decision is expected.

Protesters were marching from Madeira Drive, to the Brighton Centre, and then returning to Madeira Drive on Monday.

Last time fans were on the seafront it was to celebrate promotion

Organisers urged fans of other football teams to join them on the march, saying the campaign is a major community issue which affects all football supporters.

Paul Samrah, chairman of the Falmer For All Campaign, said: "For a city that has hosted party political conferences for decades not to have a stadium is simply unacceptable.

"Every great city needs a stadium - it is vital for the community and for Brighton and Hove Albion."

The march was being stewarded by the club and supervised by the police.