A public inquiry starts on Tuesday into a proposed new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion football club.

The six-week planning inquiry, led by a government inspector, will consider plans for a 22,000-seater stadium at Village Way North, in Falmer.

The football club's proposals for the site include banqueting suites, a creche, teaching space for Brighton University, office space for the club, a coach park and car parks.

The plans have been opposed by local residents and the Countryside Agency.

Environmental impact

They claim the development will have a negative environmental impact on the nearby South Downs.

They also have concerns about the extra traffic the development may bring.

But the club claims the new stadium is vital to its future and will bring new jobs and facilities to the area.

The Seagulls have been without a permanent home since 1997, when the Goldstone ground was lost to a retail development.

The club was granted planning permission for the stadium in June 2002 but the decision was called in for a public inquiry.

It may be up to six months before the result of the inquiry is announced.