Construction work on the new stadium is due to start later this year

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has approved plans for the 23,000-seater ground at Falmer.

However, Lewes District Council is taking legal action against the government, Brighton & Hove City Council and the club over the plans.

"This is another yet another financial burden we could well do without," said Seagulls chief executive Martin Perry.

"We have been named as a defendant and we will go to court to defend ourselves and prove that this decision was made justly.

"Nothing has changed, it's business as usual and we remain extremely confident that Mr Prescott's decision will be upheld in the High Court."

Brighton have been without a permanent home since 1997 when the Goldstone Ground closed.

Since 1999, they have played home games at Withdean, a a 6,500-capacity athletics stadium.