Brighton currently play at Withdean, a converted athletics stadium

A seven-day extension was made to the original deadline of 11 June because of conflicting planning reports.

More time was given so any interested parties could submit comments, the Deputy Prime Minister's office said.

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

Long campaign

The Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is expected to make a decision on whether the 23,000-seat stadium could be built at Falmer by the end of the summer.

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

The Seagulls were recently promoted to the First Division after winning their play-off match in Cardiff.