Brighton currently play at Withdean, a converted athletics stadium

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott had been expected to make a decision on whether the 23,000-seat stadium could be built at Falmer after 11 June.

But a spokesman said the Deputy Prime Minister's office had extended the deadline to allow more time for interested parties to submit comments.

Conflicting planning reports are the reason for the seven-day extension.

Increased capacity

It is now hoped Mr Prescott will make a decision by the end of the summer.

The Seagulls want to build a stadium at Falmer as their present ground, an athletics ground in Withdean, can only hold 7,000 of their estimated 30,000 fans.

Supporters and club officials have staged a long campaign to gather support for the plans and have inundated John Prescott's office with petitions, postcards and flowers.

The fans were recently awarded the accolade of being the country's "best" supporters by the Football Supporters' Federation's Fans' Parliament because of their commitment to the campaign.

The plans for the Falmer stadium have been approved by the city council, but opposition from some locals and environmental groups led to a public inquiry, which lasted for several months last year.