The proposed stadium at Falmer would have seats for 22,000 fans

Lewes District Council is against Brighton and Hove Albion's plans to build a new stadium at Falmer.

Part of the land is in the council's area and it has fought a long campaign against the plans, arguing the site is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A decision on whether the stadium is built is expected early this year.

Promote other sites

Brighton and Hove Albion have not had a permanent home since the closure in 1997 of the Goldstone Ground, now the site of a retail park.

The club currently plays at Withdean, a 7,000 capacity athletics stadium, but wants to build a 22,000 seater ground at Falmer.

Falmer residents celebrated when a final decision was delayed last year

The site is partly in the area of Brighton and Hove City Council, which has always backed the scheme, and partly covered by Lewes District Council which opposes it.

Some local residents have also campaigned against the stadium being built near their homes.

The public inquiry into the scheme, which has already lasted two years, is due to reopen in February.

Lewes District Council budgeted �35,000 in October to fight the next stage of the inquiry and has now announced it is raising the figure to �60,000.

It said the money would be spent on hiring environmental and transport consultants to highlight its concerns over the plans and to help promote other possible sites.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is due to make a final decision when the inquiry reopens.

Brighton fans have helped the club raise money to fight the inquiry, with a pop single, sponsored poetry event and a saucy calendar featuring players among the fundraising ideas.